Christmas Island

Territory of Christmas Island

NAIndependence none (territory of Australia)

Christmas Island as the 2000 edition of the CIA World Factbook published it: 96 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 Indonesia

2000

Every edition of Christmas Island

Populationas each edition published it

2,564 people July 2000 est. · 2,278 in 1990

Population growth% a year

7.77% 2000 est. · -2.44% in 1993

Median ageyears

Not in this edition 38 yrs in 2024

Introduction

1 field

Background

This island was annexed by the UK in 1888, following the discovery of phosphate rock.

Geography

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

17 fields

Area

135sq km

land: 135 sq kmwater: 0 sq kmabout 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

Highest point

361m

Murray Hilllowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

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

Land use

arable land:: NA%
permanent crops:: NA%
permanent pastures:: NA%
forests and woodland:: NA%
other:: NA%

note: mainly tropical rainforest of which 60%-70% is in a national park

Natural hazards

the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard

Geography - note

located along major sea lanes of Indian Ocean

People

13 fields

Population

2,564

(July 2000 est.)growth rate: 7.77% (2000 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

Life expectancy at birth

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

Nationality

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

Ethnic groups

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

Government

NA; Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by the Australian governor general; Administrator (acting) Graham NICHOLLS (since NA)

18 fields

Christmas Island Shire Council, 9 seats, elected NA December 1999one dot, one seat

independents 9

Country name

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

Dependency status

territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories

Legal system

under the authority of the governor general of Australia and Australian law

Executive branch

chief of state:: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by the Australian governor general
head of government:: Administrator (acting) Graham NICHOLLS (since NA)
elections:: none;
the monarch is hereditary;
administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and Australia

Legislative branch

unicameral Christmas Island Shire Council (9 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve one-year terms)

elections:: last held NA December 1999 (next to be held NA December 2000)
election results:: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 9

International organization participation

none

Diplomatic representation in the US

none (territory of Australia)

Diplomatic representation from the US

none (territory of Australia)

Economy

Phosphate mining had been the only significant economic activity, but in December 1987 the Australian Government closed the mine.

31 fields

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 by union workers. With the support of the government, Australian-based Casinos Austria International Ltd. built a $34 million casino on Christmas Island, which opened in 1993.

As of yearend 1999, gaming facilities at the casino were temporarily closed but were expected to reopen in early 2000. Another economic prospect is the possible location of a space-launching site on the island.