Trivia in Christmas Island

National symbols

Flag: Unofficial territorial flag featuring green field with blue diagonal stripe, Southern Cross, and golden bougainvillea flower in center

Emblem: No official coat of arms; uses Australian coat of arms

Island name derives from December 25, 1643 when British ship arrived.
63% of entire island is Christmas Island National Park, home to 14 endemic crab species.
Postage stamps have issued unique designs since Australian territory transfer in 1958, popular with collectors.
Reforestation program continues to regenerate phosphate mining sites, with tropical tree nursery greenhouse becoming tourist attraction.
Island road signs feature unusual scenery of 'Crab Crossing' and coconut crab warning signs side by side.
Christmas Island airport runway is atop island plateau, with dramatic cliff views below during takeoff and landing.
Coastline almost entirely consists of sea cliffs about 20m high with few beaches.
Mobile phones mainly 3G/4G, with some areas having no coverage.
Said that about half of islanders routinely use three or more languages.
Christmas Island green turtle nesting site designated as Australian federal endangered species sanctuary.