Recollections of the island's history and lifestyle, and lists and timetables of the island's leaders and events since its settlement are at the World Statesmen site and in Neale (1988), Bosman (1993), Hunt (2011), and Stokes (2012). [93], After the Japanese occupation (1942–1945), postage stamps of the British Military Administration were in use, then stamps of Singapore. [14][16] Dampier wrote an account of the visit. [14] In the next year, Pelham Aldrich, on board HMS Egeria, visited the island for ten days, accompanied by J. J. Lister, who gathered a larger biological and mineralogical collection. A GSM mobile telephone system on the 900 MHz band[91] replaced the old analogue network in February 2005. [20], In 1886, Captain John Maclear of HMS Flying Fish, having discovered an anchorage in a bay that he named "Flying Fish Cove", landed a party and made a small collection of the flora and fauna. Hunt (2011) provides a detailed history of Chinese indentured labor on the island during those years. The island is small and covers 135 square kilometres of land which 63% of that land has been declared National park. During the 1872–1876 Challenger expedition to Indonesia, naturalist John Murray carried out extensive surveys. [74], A postal agency was opened on the island in 1901 and sold stamps of the Strait Settlements. 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2001), Military - note: defense is the responsibility of Australia, Hundreds of Languages, Thousands of Products. English. Hugh's Dale waterfall is part of this area and is a popular attraction. agriculture: NA% English is the official language of Christmas Island although there are many residents who communicate in Malay or one of the four Chinese dialects. [41][42], In December 2010, 48 asylum-seekers died just off the coast of the island in what became known as the Christmas Island boat disaster when their boat hit the rocks near Flying Fish Cove, and then smashed against nearby cliffs. [3] 21.2% of the population had Chinese ancestry (up from 18.3% in 2001), 12.7% had generic Australian ancestry (11.7% in 2001), 12% had Malay ancestry (9.3% in 2001), 10% had English ancestry (8.9% in 2001), and 2.3% of the population was of Irish origin (the same share as in 2001). [citation needed]. All services are provided by satellite links from the mainland. Eight species or subspecies of seabirds nest on it. [17] Dampier was trying to reach Cocos from New Holland. A unicameral Shire of Christmas Island with nine seats provides local government services and is elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms. [82], Christmas Island's endemic plants include the trees Arenga listeri, Pandanus elatus and Dendrocnide peltata var. [69] At the 2019 federal election, the Labor Party received majorities from Christmas Island electors in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The road network covers most of the island and is of generally good quality, although four-wheel drive vehicles are needed to reach some of the more distant parts of the rainforest or the more isolated beaches on the rough dirt roads. Christmas Island, officially known as the Territory of Christmas Island, is an Australian external territory comprising the island of the same name. On the remote Scottish island of Mure, the Christmas season is … In 2006, an immigration detention centre, containing approximately 800 beds, was constructed on the island for the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs. Fishing is another common activity. This results in ideal conditions for receiving various Asian broadcasts, which locals sometimes prefer to those emanating from Western Australia. total: NA Interestingly, almost half of the island’s unique plant life is found nowhere else in Australia. [25] A naval gun was installed under a British officer and four NCOs and 27 Indian soldiers. The island is the flat summit of an underwater mountain more than 4,500 metres (14,800 ft) high,[52] which rises from about 4,200 m (13,780 ft) below the sea and only about 300 m (984 ft) above it. Dampier was blown away from the direction he wanted to go, and he got lost. On his departure, he was lauded by all sectors of the island community. The island-operated crèche is in the Recreation Centre. ©1992-2021 World Language Resources, Inc. One language is spoken in Christmas Island. 27.8% of the population spoke English as their family language, while 17.2% spoke Mandarin Chinese, 17.2% spoke Malay, 3.7% Cantonese, 1.5% Southern Min, and 1% Tagalog. [35] In a media statement on 5 August 1960, the minister for territories, Paul Hasluck, said, among other things, that, "His extensive knowledge of the Malay language and the customs of the Asian people ... has proved invaluable in the inauguration of Australian administration ... During his two years on the island he had faced unavoidable difficulties ... and constantly sought to advance the island's interests.". [3] 38.5% of people were born in Australia. Captain William Mynors of the British East India Company ship, the Royal Mary, gave the island its name because they arrived on Christmas Day, 25 December 1643. total population : NA male(s)/female, Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births, Life expectancy at birth: [22][23], The island was administered jointly by the British Phosphate commissioners and district officers from the United Kingdom Colonial Office through the Straits Settlements, and later the Crown Colony of Singapore. Twenty terrestrial and intertidal species of crab have been described here, of which thirteen are regarded as true land crabs, being dependent on the ocean only for larval development. 48.1% of the population has undetermined ancestry. The flying fox's low rate of reproduction (one pup each year) and high infant mortality rate makes it especially vulnerable and the conservation status is as critically endangered. The narrow fringing reef surrounding the island poses a maritime hazard. Language. Originally estimated to cost A$276 million,[39] the final cost was over $400 million. Language. partners: principally Australia, Currency: 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents, Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.2735 (January 1997), 1.2773 (1996), 1.3486 (1995), 1.3667 (1994), 1.4704, (1993), 1.3600 (1992), Telephone system: The island plays home to a small array of radio equipment that spans a good chunk of the usable spectrum. ", "Savings for Labor's Better Priorities: Close Nauru and Manus Island detention centres", "Australia puts its refugee problem on a remote island, behind razor wire", "Doomed asylum seekers' boat not being tracked by Customs: minister", "Leaders pay tribute to asylum shipwreck victims", "Offshore processing: Has the bar been lifted? Facts and statistics about the Languages of Christmas Island. [61], Christmas Island is currently a non-self-governing external territory of Australia, as of February 2020[update], administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications[62] (from 29 November 2007 until 14 September 2010, administration was carried out by the Attorney-General's Department,[63][64] and prior to this by the Department of Transport and Regional Services). [4] Today, the majority of residents are Chinese, with significant numbers of European Australians and Malays as well as smaller Indian and Eurasian communities too. total: 1 [75], The Australian government in 2001 agreed to support the creation of a commercial spaceport on the island; however, this has not yet been constructed and appears that it will not proceed. The widespread brown booby nests on the ground near the edge of the seacliff and inland cliffs. In 1990, the mine was reopened by private operators. There is a feeling of resignation that any progress on local issues is hampered by the confusing governance system. In November 1943, over 60% of the island's population was evacuated to Surabaya prison camps, leaving a total population of just under 500 Chinese and Malays and 15 Japanese to survive as best they could. The next most common country of birth was Malaysia at 20.1%. Another endangered and endemic bird, the Christmas frigatebird, has nesting areas on the northeastern shore terraces. From the outbreak of the South-East Asian theatre of World War II in December 1941, Christmas Island was a target for Japanese occupation because of its rich phosphate deposits. Under the federal government's Christmas Island Act 1958, Western Australian laws are applied to Christmas Island; non-application or partial application of such laws is at the discretion of the federal government. Phosphate mining had been the only significant economic activity, but in December 1987 the Australian government closed the mine. land: 135 sq km under 15 years: NA male(s)/female Christmas Island Cricket Club was founded in 1959 now known as Christmas Island Cricket and Sporting Club. Published by. But after a long discussion between the district officer and the leaders of the mutineers the executions were postponed and the Europeans were confined under armed guard in the district officer's house". conventional short form : Christmas Island, Dependency status: territory of Australia, Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia), Independence: none (territory of Australia), Constitution: Christmas Island Act of 1958, Legal system: under the authority of the governor general of Australia and Australian [25] They rounded up the workforce, most of whom had fled to the jungle. [68], Christmas Island residents are Australian citizens and vote in Australian federal elections. [3] Buddhism and Islam are major religions on the island, the religion question in the Australian census is optional and 28% of the population do not declare their religious belief, if any.[6]. We have 12 products available for that language. July 25, 2020 “Just one big idea. Location: Southeastern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia, Geographic coordinates: 10 30 S, 105 40 E, Area: The Territory of Christmas Island is a small island that belongs to Australia.It is in the Indian Ocean, 2600 kms northwest of Perth in Western Australia and 500 km south of Jakarta, Indonesia.. About 1,600 people live on Christmas Island, mostly in a number of "settlement areas" on the north of the island: Flying Fish Cove (also known as Kampong) Additionally, ionospheric conditions are conducive to terrestrial radio transmissions, from HF through VHF and sometimes into UHF. [8] The majority (63 percent) of the island is included in the Christmas Island National Park, which features several areas of primary monsoonal forest. Goos labelled the island "Mony" or "Moni",[14] the meaning of which is unclear. [92] There are no independent newspapers. [76], Religious beliefs are diverse and include Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, Islam and Confucianism. Another heartfelt and delightful Christmas tale from the beloved New York Times bestselling author of The Bookshop on the Corner and Christmas on the Island. partners: Australia, NZ, Imports: $NA [3] Additionally, there are small local populations of Malaysian Indians and Eurasians. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Christmas at the Island Hotel: A Novel. The same day, a Japanese fleet of nine vessels arrived, and the island was surrounded. 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) male: NA years There are many rare species of animals and plants on the island, making nature-walking a popular activity. Broadband internet became available to subscribers in urban areas in mid-2005 through the local internet service provider, CIIA (formerly dotCX). New York Times bestselling author Jenny Colgan returns to the setting of Christmas on the Island and Endless Beach for … [51], The island is about 19 kilometres (12 mi) in greatest length and 14.5 km (9.0 mi) in breadth. Australian Dollar is the official currency here. In 1947, five of them were sentenced to death. Paskaerte Zynde t'Oosterdeel Van Oost Indien (cartographic material) : met alle de Eylanden deer ontrendt geleegen van C. Comorin tot aen Iapan", "The Mystery of Christmas Island, March 1942", "Allied Merchant Ship Losses in the Pacific and Southeast Asia", A federation in these seas: An account of the acquisition by Australia of its external territories, with selected documents, "Mr. D.E. industry: NA% [45], As of 20 June 2013[update], after the interception of four boats in six days, carrying 350 people, the Immigration Department stated that there were 2,960 "irregular maritime arrivals" being held in the island's five detention facilities, which exceeded not only the "regular operating capacity" of 1,094 people, but also the "contingency capacity" of 2,724. Goos labelled the island "Mony" or "Moni", the meaning of which is unclear. Christmas Island. [25] The first attack was carried out on 20 January 1942, by Japanese submarine I-59, which torpedoed a Norwegian freighter, the Eidsvold. Free-to-air digital television stations from Australia are broadcast in the same time zone as Perth, and are broadcast from three separate locations:[90]. paved : 30 km Soon afterwards, a small settlement was established in Flying Fish Cove by G. Clunies Ross, the owner of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands some 900 kilometres (560 mi) to the southwest, to collect timber and supplies for the growing industry on Cocos. unpaved:110 km (1999), Airports - with paved runways: The capital city of Christmas Island is Flying Fish Cove. Australian-based Casinos Austria International Historically, the majority of Christmas Islanders were those of Chinese, Malay and Indian origins from Singapore, the initial permanent settlers. [54] The summit of this mountain peak is formed by a succession of Tertiary limestones ranging in age from the Eocene or Oligocene up to recent reef deposits, with intercalations of volcanic rock in the older beds.[21]. The main languages of Christmas Island are English, Chinese and Malay. [93] This ended on 2 March 1993 when Australia Post became the island's postal operator; Christmas Island stamps may be used in Australia and Australian stamps may be used on the island.[94]. adjective: Christmas Island, Ethnic groups: Chinese 70%, European 20%, Malay 10% Ferns, orchids and vines grow on the branches in the humid atmosphere beneath the canopy. [70][71], As of 2020[update], women held two of the nine seats in the Christmas Island Shire Council. There is a mosque, a Christian church, a Baháʼí centre and around twenty Chinese temples and shrines, which include seven Buddhist temples (like Guan Yin Monastery (观音寺) at Gaze Road), ten Taoist temples (like Soon Tian Kong (顺天宫) in South Point and Grants Well Guan Di Temple) and shrines dedicated to Na Tuk Kong or Datuk Keramat on the island. Christmas Island lies 2,600 kilometres (1,600 mi) northwest of Perth, Western Australia, 350 km (220 mi) south of Indonesia, 975 km (606 mi) ENE of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, 2,748 km (1,708 mi) west of Darwin, Northern Territory and 1,327 km (825 mi) southeast of Singapore. Many senior residents speak dialects of Chinese and Malay as a first language. territorial sea: 3 nm, Climate: tropical; heat and humidity moderated by trade winds, Terrain: steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central plateau, Elevation extremes: water: 0 sq km, Area - comparative: about 0.7 times the size of Washington, DC, Maritime claims: Written by. It had a large philatelic and postal independence, managed first by the Phosphate Commission (1958–1969) and then by the island's administration (1969–1993). Asylum seekers were relocated from Christmas Island to Manus Island and Nauru. This is a list of islands of Kiribati.The Republic of Kiribati consists of 32 atolls and one raised coral island. elections: last held NA December 2001 (next to be held NA December 2002) Walking trails are also very popular, for there are many beautiful trails surrounded by extravagant flora and fauna. 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), Flag description: the flag of Australia is used - in early 1986, the Christmas Island Assembly held a design competition for an island flag, however, the winning design has never been formally adopted as the official flag of the territory. Updated as of 2020. commodities: phosphate We have 12 products available for that language. The land crabs and seabirds are the most noticeable fauna on the island. Christmas at the Island Hotel: A Novel - Kindle edition by Colgan, Jenny. There were several visits and explorations of the island… [49] The evacuees arrived on 3 February. Virgin Australia Regional Airlines provides two weekly flights to Christmas Island Airport from Perth, Western Australia, Garuda Indonesia conduct weekly open-charter flights from/to Jakarta with bookings done through Christmas Island Travel Exchange and Malindo Air operate fortnightly open-charter flights from/to Kuala Lumpur with bookings done through Evercrown Air Services. [21], Phosphate mining began in 1899 using indentured workers from Singapore, Malaya, and China. [3][78], The main local organisation that "promotes and supports" the "status and interests" of female Christmas Islanders is the "Christmas Island Women's Association" that was established in 1989 and is a member organisation of the Associated Country Women of the World.[79][80]. The annual breeding migration of the Christmas Island red crabs is a popular event. contiguous zone: 12 nm The Shire of Christmas Island publishes a fortnightly newsletter, The Islander. Hire cars are available from the airport however no franchised companies are represented. The most numerous is the red-footed booby, which nests in colonies, using trees on many parts of the shore terrace. The dense rainforest has grown in the deep soils of the plateau and on the terraces. [55], Christmas Island has 80 kilometres (50 mi) of shoreline but only small parts of the shoreline are easily accessible. Vegetation types Primary rainforest. Christmas became Kiritimati (pronounced roughly "kee-rees-mass") in the local Gilbertese language. [32], This decision was widely unpopular in Singapore, and the country's Chief Minister at the time, Lim Yew Hock, faced intense criticism as it was seen by Singaporeans to be "selling away national territory". A profile of the languages in Christmas Island. A variety of government-owned and operated antenna systems are employed on the island to take advantage of this. "A Forgotten Past – The Curious Case of Lim Yew Hock" (2012), Christmas Island Immigration Reception and Processing Centre, Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, Department of Transport and Regional Services, Postage stamps and postal history of Christmas Island, Index of Christmas Island–related articles, https://web.archive.org/web/20210207074536/https://www.livepopulation.com/country/christmas-island.html, Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, "Christmas Island – the next big thing in travel? [7] Its geographic isolation and history of minimal human disturbance has led to a high level of endemism among its flora and fauna, which is of interest to scientists and naturalists. The first European to sight the island was Richard Rowe of the Thomas in 1615. Robber crabs, known elsewhere as coconut crabs, also exist in large numbers on the island. Of the ten native land birds and shorebirds, seven are endemic species or subspecies. Some of the easily accessible beaches include Flying Fish Cove (main beach), Lily Beach, Ethel Beach, and Isabel Beach, while the more difficult beaches to access include Greta Beach, Dolly Beach, Winifred Beach, Merrial Beach, and West White Beach, which all require a vehicle with four wheel drive and a difficult walk through dense rainforest.[56]. The island was later named on Christmas Day (25 December) 1643 by Captain William Mynors but only settled in the late 19th century. The annual red crab mass migration (around 100 million animals) to the sea to spawn has been called one of the wonders of the natural world. [14], Among the rocks then obtained and submitted to Murray for examination were many of nearly pure phosphate of lime. chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by the Australian governor general The highest temperature is usually around 29 °C (84 °F) in March and April, while the lowest temperature is 23 °C (73 °F) and occurs in August. The first attempt at exploring the island was in 1857 by the crew of the Amethyst. noun: Christmas Islander(s) With the support of the government, the $34 million Christmas Island Casino and Resort opened in 1993 but was closed in 1998. These islands are dispersed throughout the three island … The rainforest is in great condition despite the mining activities over the last 100 years. The club entered its first representative team into the WACA Country Week in 2020, where they were runners up in F-division. conventional long form: Territory of Christmas Island New York Times bestselling author Jenny Colgan returns to the setting of Christmas on the Island and Endless Beach for … [72] Its second President was Lillian Oh, from 1993 to 1995. It is located in the Indian Ocean, around 350 kilometres (220 mi) south of Java and Sumatra and around 1,550 km (960 mi) north-west of the closest point on the Australian mainland. signed, but not ratified: NA, Geography - note: located along major sea lanes of Indian Ocean, Age structure: Christmas Island (クリスマス島, Kurisumasu tō?) Ltd. built a $45 million casino on Christmas Island. Christmas Island, officially known as the Territory of Christmas Island, is an Australian external territory comprising the island of the same name. "Afterwards all Europeans on the island, including the district officer, who governed it, were lined up by the Indians and told they were going to be shot. The species is probably the last native mammal, and an important pollinator and rainforest seed-disperser; the population is also in decline and under increasing pressure from land clearing and introduced pest species. at birth: NA male(s)/female Its closest point to the Australian mainland is 1,550 km (960 mi) from the town of Exmouth, Western Australia. [36] The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami centred off the western shore of Sumatra in Indonesia, resulted in no reported casualties, but some swimmers were swept some 150 metres (490 ft) out to sea for a time before being swept back in. As a territory of Australia, English is the most common language spoken on Christmas Island, but is not universal. It lies 2,600 km (1,600 mi) northwest of Perth and 1,327 km (825 mi) south of Singapore. The forests are dominated by 25 tree species. Snorkeling and swimming in the ocean are two other activities that are extremely popular. All signs are in English. note: mainly tropical rainforest; 63% of the island is a national park (1998 est. Areas that have been damaged by mining are now a part of an ongoing rehabilitation project. The many freshwater springs include Hosnies Spring Ramsar, which also has a mangrove stand. Christmas Island, officially known as the Territory of Christmas Island, is an Australian external territory comprising the island of the same name. Once at the ocean, the mothers release the embryos where they can survive and grow until they are able to live on land. This discovery led to annexation of the island by the British Crown on 6 June 1888.[20]. English (Australian) (12) Filter. female: NA years, Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman, Nationality: The endemic Christmas Island shrew has not been seen since the mid-1980s and may be already extinct, while the Christmas Island pipistrelle (a small bat) is presumed to be extinct.[84]. Cricket and rugby league are the two main organised sports on the island. Tropical cyclones also occur in the wet season, bringing very strong winds, rain and enormous seas. There is a dry season from July to October with only occasional showers. As of 2011[update], the resort has re-opened without the casino. 15-64 years: NA male(s)/female Because of its position just west of the International Date Line, Kiritimati is the first inhabited island to begin each new day and year, and attracted a bit of Y2K tourism to celebrate that. Elections are held every two years, with four or five of the members standing for election. These are the Christmas swallowtail (Papilio memnon), striped albatross (Appias olferna), Christmas emperor (Polyura andrewsi), king cerulean (Jamides bochus), lesser grass-blue (Zizina otis), and Papuan grass-yellow (Eurema blanda). by occupation: tourism 400 people, mining 100 people(1995), Budget: It is located in the Indian Ocean close to Indonesia and is about 2,600 kilometers from the city of … English. permanent crops: 0% It is located in the Indian Ocean, around 350 kilometres (220 mi) south of Java and Sumatra and around 1,550 km (960 mi) north-west of the closest point on the Australian mainland. [14] He found it uninhabited. Unlock this profile with an Essentials plan.. See the details on every language spoken in Christmas Island, plus: Profiles for every other country in the world; 7,459 profiles covering every language in use today [85] Flying foxes are an 'umbrella' species helping forests regenerate and other species survive in stressed environments. In late February and early March 1942, there were two aerial bombing raids. GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $NA, GDP - composition by sector: Christmas Island is home to 237 native plant species, including at least 17 species found nowhere else in the world. [33], Australia's Christmas Island Act was passed in September 1958 and the island was officially placed under the authority of the Commonwealth of Australia on 1 October 1958. Christmas Island has access to a range of modern communication services. Other languages spoken at home include Cantonese (3.7%) and Min Nan (1.5%). [25], Isolated acts of sabotage and the torpedoing of the Nissei Maru at the wharf on 17 November 1942[27] meant that only small amounts of phosphate were exported to Japan during the occupation. In 1968, the official secretary was retitled an administrator and, since 1997, Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands together are called the Australian Indian Ocean Territories and share a single administrator resident on Christmas Island.
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