Overview of Christmas Island

Profile

Christmas Island is a 135 km² island located approximately 2,360 km northwest of Perth, Western Australia, and about 500 km south of Jakarta, Indonesia, with over 63% protected as a national park featuring a rich tropical ecosystem. It has a history of development through phosphate mining, and currently nature tourism, limited mining, and public sector form the economic center. A multicultural society where Chinese, Malay, and European communities coexist, with English as the official language though Hokkien and Malay are widely spoken. The world-renowned red crab spawning migration attracts annual media attention, and it's also noted as a diving and birdwatching sanctuary.

Official name: Christmas Island
Common name: Christmas Island
Numeric code: 162
Alpha-3 code: CXR
Alpha-2 code: CX
Population: Approximately 1,800 (2016)
Population density: Approximately 13 per km²
Primary languages: English, Hokkien, Malay, Cantonese
Major religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam
National anthem: Advance Australia Fair (Australian national anthem used)
Calling code: +61 8
Internet TLD: .cx

History

Named after the sailing date of December 25, 1643 when a British ship arrived, became British territory in 1888, and Australian territory in 1958.

Though recorded on maps since the 17th century, there was no permanent settlement. After British annexation in 1888, phosphate rock was discovered and mining began. During World War II it was occupied by Japanese forces, then after being under Singapore government control, transferred to Australia in 1958. In the 1990s, the industry contracted due to declining phosphate prices, and casino plans and satellite launch base concepts were attempted but achieved limited success. In the 2000s, refugee detention facilities were established causing political controversy. In recent years, the focus has shifted to regional revitalization balancing ecotourism and environmental conservation.

Geography & climate

Island of limestone deposited and uplifted atop volcanic rock base. Perimeter has cliffs and fringing reefs, center is gentle plateau.

Tropical monsoon climate

Area: Oceania / 135 km²
Capital: Flying Fish Cove (City of Settlement)
Largest city: Flying Fish Cove
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Phosphate rock, Limestone, Sea salt, Coral reefs, Tropical timber, Underground water caves, Diverse crab species, Mangroves, Oceanic fishing grounds, Scenic cliffs

Politics

Government: Australian Federal Territory (non-self-governing)

Economy

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)

GDP (nominal):

GDP (PPP):

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English, Hokkien, Malay, Cantonese

Time zone: Christmas Island Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Chinese, European Australians, Malay, Minor Indian, Others

Life expectancy

Approximately 82 years

Literacy rate

99%

National sports

Football, Cricket, Badminton, Basketball, Rugby League