Rarotongans

Rarotongans are the inhabitants of the Cook Islands, a self-governing country in free association with New Zealand, located in the South Pacific Ocean. They constitute the majority of the country's population and are among the most widespread Polynesian ethnic groups.

Rarotongans are the indigenous people of Rarotonga, the largest island in the Cook Islands. Their origins date back to the settlement of the island by Lapita-speaking people around the early 1000 AD. Over time, the Rarotongans developed a distinct culture and language, also known as Rarotongan or Cook Islands Māori.

Their language is a Polynesian language closely related to other languages spoken in Eastern Polynesia. Although it shows significant influence from European languages, it remains an official language of the Cook Islands and is widely spoken among the population.

Traditionally, Rarotongans have been a maritime-based society, living off the island's resources and participating in fishing, cultivation, and handicrafts. Modern Rarotongans have developed various economic activities, including fishing, tourism, and the export of handicrafts. They have also integrated into the modern global economy, with many pursuing education and employment opportunities in urban centers in the Cook Islands, New Zealand, and other countries.

Rarotongans are generally known for their warm hospitality, community focus, and preservation of traditional practices. Many are actively engaged in efforts to maintain and promote their cultural heritage, which remains an essential aspect of their identity as Rarotongans. They have also been influenced by Christianity, a faith introduced by European colonizers that remains an important aspect of their spiritual lives.