Christmas Island
Official Country Name
Christmas Island
Christmas Island Overview
Named in 1643 for the day of its discovery, the island was annexed and settlement began by the UK in 1888. Phosphate mining began in the 1890s. The UK transferred sovereignty to Australia in 1958. Almost two-thirds of the island has been declared a national park.
Christmas Island Economy
Phosphate mining had been the only significant economic activity, but in December 1987 the Australian Government closed the mine. In 1991, the mine was reopened. With the support of the government, a $34 million casino opened in 1993. The casino closed in 1998. The Australian Government in 2001 agreed to support the creation of a commercial space-launching site on the island, projected to begin operations in the near future.
Christmas Island Location
Christmas Island is located in Southeastern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia
Region
Christmas Island is located in Asia
Christmas Island Population
Christmas Island has population of 1,493 (July 2006 est.)
Christmas Island Climate
Christmas Island has tropical with a wet and dry season; heat and humidity moderated by trade winds; wet season (December to April)
Christmas Island Terrain
steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central plateau
Christmas Island Natural Resources
phosphate, beaches
Ethnic Groups in Christmas Island
Christmas Island has the following ethnic groups - Chinese 70%, European 20%, Malay 10% note: no indigenous population (2001)
Christmas Island Religions
Buddhist 36%, Muslim 25%, Christian 18%, other 21% (1997)
Christmas Island Languages
English (official), Chinese, Malay
Christmas Island Capital
Christmas Island capital is The Settlement
Christmas Island Currency
Christmas Island currency is Australian dollar
Map of Christmas Island
