New Zealand is a island nation located in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island) and other numerous smaller islands. It is to the east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and approximately 600 miles south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. Queen Elizabeth II is the Queen of New Zealand and the head of state. She is represented by the Governor-General, whom she appoints on the advice of the Prime Minister.