Christmas Island Location : Southeastern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia
Capital City : The Settlement
Curreny : Australian dollar (AUD)
Languages Spoken : English (official), Chinese, Malay
Climate : tropical; heat and humidity moderated by trade winds
National Holiday : NA
Background Information
Named in 1643 for the day of its discovery, the island was annexed and settlement was begun 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.
Geographical Note
located along major sea lanes of Indian Ocean
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, slated to begin operation in 2003.
Religions
Buddhist 36%, Muslim 25%, Christian 18%, other 21% (1997)
Ports : Flying Fish Cove
International Disputes - Risks to travellers
: none
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Christmas Island
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