Christmas Island

Territory of Christmas Island

territory of AustraliaIndependence none (territory of Australia)

Christmas Island as the 1996 edition of the CIA World Factbook published it: 78 fields, one of 36 editions from 1990 to 2025.

field in that editiontext changed from the edition beforenot in that editionthe open editionEach field below ends in its editions, 1990 to 2025. Point at a year above to follow it down.

CapitalThe Settlement

Position10 30 S, 105 40 E

Area135 sq km

LocationSoutheastern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of

1996

Every edition of Christmas Island

Populationas each edition published it

813 people July 1996 est. · 2,278 in 1990

Population growth% a year

-8.98% 1996 est. · -2.44% in 1993

Median ageyears

Not in this edition 38 yrs in 2024

Geography

Southeastern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of | Indonesia

15 fields

Land useshare of 135 sq km

forest and woodland 0%other 100%arable land 0% in all · permanent crops 0% in all · meadows and pastures 0% in all

Area

135sq km

land area: 135 sq kmcomparative area: about 0.7 times the size of Washington, DC

Coastline

138.9km

land boundaries: 0 kmcontiguous zone: 12 nmexclusive fishing zone: 200 nmterritorial sea: 3 nm

Location

Southeastern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia

Climate

tropical; heat and humidity moderated by trade winds

Terrain

steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central plateau

lowest point:: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point:: Murray Hill 361 m

Environment

current issues:: NA
natural hazards:: the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard
international agreements:: NA

Geographic note

located along major sea lanes of Indian Ocean

People

14 fields

Population

813

(July 1996 est.)growth rate: -8.98% (1996 est.)

Religions(1991)

Buddhist 55%Christian 15%Muslim 10%other 20% (1991)

Age structure

0-14 years:: NA
15-64 years:: NA
65 years and over:: NA

Sex ratio

at birth:: NA male(s)/female
under 15 years:: NA male(s)/female
15-64 years:: NA male(s)/female
65 years and over:: NA male(s)/female
all ages:: NA male(s)/female

Life expectancy at birth

total population:: NA years
male:: NA years
female:: NA years

Nationality

noun:: Christmas Islander(s)
adjective:: Christmas Island

Ethnic divisions

Chinese 61%, Malay 25%, European 11%, other 3%, no indigenous population

Government

Territory of Australia; Queen ELIZABETH II (of the United Kingdom since 6 February 1952) is a hereditary monarch; Administrator Danny Ambrose GILLESPIE (since NA) was appointed by the governor general of Australia and represents the queen and Australia

17 fields

Name of country

conventional long form:: Territory of Christmas Island
conventional short form:: Christmas Island

Data code

Type of government

territory of Australia

Capital

The Settlement

Administrative divisions

none (territory of Australia)

Independence

none (territory of Australia)

National holiday

Constitution

Christmas Island Act of 1958

Legal system

under the authority of the governor general of Australia

Executive branch

chief of state:: Queen ELIZABETH II (of the United Kingdom since 6 February 1952) is a hereditary monarch
head of government:: Administrator Danny Ambrose GILLESPIE (since NA) was appointed by the governor general of Australia and represents the queen and Australia
cabinet:: Christmas Island Shire Council

Legislative branch

none

Judicial branch

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders

none

International organization participation

none

Diplomatic representation in US

none (territory of Australia)

US diplomatic representation

none (territory of Australia)

Flag

the flag of Australia is used

Economy

Phosphate mining had been the only significant | economic activity, but in December 1987 the Australian Government | closed the mine as no longer economically viable.

20 fields

Installed generating capacity, 11,000 kW

Electricity production

30 millionElectricity consumption per capita

17,800 (1990)

Economic overview

Phosphate mining had been the only significant economic activity, but in December 1987 the Australian Government closed the mine as no longer economically viable. Private operators reopened the mine in 1990 under strict environmental controls, in particular to preserve the rain forest. A hotel and casino complex opened in 1993, and tourism is a likely growth sector.