Overview of Cocos Islands

Profile

Cocos (Keeling) Islands consist of two atolls and 27 small islands with a total area of just 14km². North Keeling is protected as a national park, while South Keeling Atoll contains inhabited West Island and Home Island. Administratively an external territory of the Australian Commonwealth with legislation under the Australian Parliament. Transportation is limited to a few weekly domestic flights and cargo ships, with nature conservation and small-scale tourism as main industries. The crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches attract divers and backpackers, while Home Island's settlement with mosques and traditional houses creates a unique landscape retaining Islamic culture.

Official name: Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Common name: Cocos Islands
Numeric code: 166
Alpha-3 code: CCK
Alpha-2 code: CC
Population: Approx. 630 (2024)
Population density: Approx. 45 people/km²
Primary languages: English, Cocos Malay
Major religions: Islam, Christianity
National anthem: Advance Australia Fair (Australian national anthem)
Calling code: +61 8
Internet TLD: .cc

History

British Clunies-Ross family established plantation in 19th century, became Australian territory in 1955.

Discovered in early 1600s by navigator William Keeling, but settlement began in 1826 with Alexander Hare and Malay laborers. The Clunies-Ross family subsequently privatized the islands, maintaining a semi-feudal system of copra production and labor management for over a century. World War I saw the Battle of Cocos between German cruiser Emden, and during World War II it served as an Allied communications base. Transferred from Singapore administration to Australia in 1955, land acquisition completed in 1978, and 1984 referendum confirmed Australian affiliation. Currently administered through coordination between autonomous council and Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Geography & climate

Coral reefs developed in ring-shaped atolls with shallow lagoon in center. Land is flat with maximum elevation 9m, mostly covered by coconut palms and pandanus palms.

Tropical monsoon climate (Am)

Area: Oceania / 14 km²
Capital: West Island
Largest city: Bantam village
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Coconut palms, Coral reefs, Tropical fish, Sea turtles, Seabird breeding sites, White sand, Mangroves, Tourism lagoon, Strong trade winds (wind power potential), Offshore fishing grounds

Politics

Government: External territory of Australian Commonwealth (directly administered)

Economy

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)

GDP (nominal):

GDP (PPP):

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English, Cocos Malay

Time zone: Cocos Islands Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Cocos Malay, Australian European, Javanese, Chinese, Other Southeast Asian

National sports

Soccer, Cricket, Netball, Rugby League, Sailing