New Zealand

New Zealand is an island nation located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, known for its stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage. Comprising two main landmasses—the North Island and the South Island—as well as over 700 smaller islands, New Zealand is renowned for its natural beauty, including mountains, forests, beaches, and lakes.

New Zealand was first settled by the Māori people, who arrived from Polynesia around 1,000 years ago. The country was later colonized by the British in the 19th century, and it became a self-governing dominion within the British Empire in 1907. Today, New Zealand is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy, with the British monarch as the head of state, represented by a Governor-General.

The country's economy is primarily based on agriculture, tourism, and trade. New Zealand is one of the world’s leading producers of dairy, meat, and wine. The country is also famous for its film industry, with movies like "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" being filmed there, showcasing its dramatic landscapes.

New Zealand is known for its progressive social policies, including being one of the first countries to grant women the right to vote in 1893. The country has a strong commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability, which is reflected in its government policies and the lifestyles of its citizens.

New Zealand is also recognized for its sporting achievements, particularly in rugby, with the national team, the All Blacks, being one of the most successful in the history of the sport.

In March 2019, BOOM investigated a viral video falsely claiming that 350 people converted to Islam in New Zealand following the Christchurch mosque attacks.

BOOM found that the video has been online since 2007 and is unrelated to the tragic attacks at two mosques in Christchurch on March 15, 2019, where 50 Muslims were killed.