New Zealand still has more sheep than people: Statistics
Statistics by the New Zealand Government Agency has revealed that there were still more sheep than humans in the country.
With a population of 23.6 million sheep and 5.3 million people, there are about 4.5 sheep for each New Zealander, the statistics showed.
According to the statistics, that is down from 22 sheep per person in 1982, when farming sheep for meat and wool was New Zealand’s biggest earner.
Now, years of falling wool prices prompted by a global shift to synthetic fibres have led farmers to change what they do with their land, the sector’s biggest lobby group said.
The lobby group added that humans were gradually trying to catch up with the sheep.
The vast number of sheep in New Zealand relative to the country’s scant human population has long been the subject of jokes aimed at New Zealanders abroad.
The country is one of a handful in the world that’s still home to more sheep than people, but humans are catching up, according to new figures released Tuesday.
(AP/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Politics
Atiku faults NBC over media advisory on 2027 elections
Mr Atiku said the timing and tone of the regulations expose a deeper agenda.
States
2027: APC senator Shehu Buba declares interest in Bauchi guber race
The lawmaker said that his declaration followed wide consultations and calls from across the state.
Politics
Soludo warns Igbos against ‘wasted votes’ on Atiku, Obi; backs Tinubu for 2027
“In politics, you don’t get what you deserve; you get what you bargain for,” Mr Soludo said.
States
Abducted Ibadan woman freed: Police
According to the police, Ms Aderibigbe has been released and interrogated for useful insights into the incident.
Politics
Soludo says APGA will no longer tolerate vote buying, transactional politics at primaries
Mr Soludo linked the party’s slow growth to alleged exploitation of aspirants by officials during primaries.
Hot news Home top
Former NFA chairman Ibrahim Galadima dies at 78
His younger brother, Abba Galadima, confirmed the death on Saturday.
