Christmas Island

Territory of Christmas Island, island in the Indian Ocean which is under Australian rule

The Territory of Christmas Island is a small territory of Australia located in the Indian Ocean, 2600 kilometres (1600 mi) northwest of  Perth in Western Australia and 500 kilometres (300 mi) south of  Jakarta, Indonesia. It maintains about 1,600 residents who live in a number of "settlement areas" on the northern tip of the island: Flying Fish Cove (also known as Kampong), Settlement, Silver City , Poon Saan and Drumsite. It has a unique natural topography and is of immense interest to scientists and naturalists due to the number of species of endemic flora and fauna which have evolved in isolation and undisturbed by human habitation.
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Flag of Christmas Island
Background 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. Map of Christmas Island More about Christmas Island: Geography People Government Economy Communications Transportation Military Transnational Issues

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Chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by the Australian governor general

Head of government: Administrator Neil LUCAS (since 30 January 2006)

Elections: the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and Australia