Country Profile: Cocos (Keeling) Islands

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands, a small group of coral atolls in the Indian Ocean, are an overseas territory of Australia. Discovered by British sea captain William Keeling in 1609, the islands comprise only 14 square kilometers and are home to a population of approximately 593 residents, predominantly of Cocos Malay descent. The economy is primarily driven by small-scale agriculture and tourism, while governance is overseen by Australia, with significant local representation through the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire Council.

Geography

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are located in southeastern Asia in the Indian Ocean, positioned southwest of Indonesia. This tropical territory consists of a horseshoe-shaped atoll comprising 27 coral islands, with the two main inhabited islands being Home Island and West Island.

Total area: 14 sq km
Elevation: Highest point at 9 m above sea level
Coastline: Total coastline measures 26 km
Climate: Tropical, characterized by high humidity moderated by southeast trade winds

People and Society

The resident population of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands is approximately 593, with a median age of 40 years. The community is predominantly of Cocos Malay descent, with English and the Cocos Malay dialect being the most spoken languages. The majority practice Islam, specifically Sunni, comprising 75% of the population.

Population (2021): 593
Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Cocos Malays and Europeans
Death Rate: 8.89 deaths/1,000 population
Age Structure: 21.2% under 15 years, 61.5% aged 15-64 years

Economy

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands' economy is largely underdeveloped, focusing primarily on agriculture and tourism. Exporting mainly to the USA and Singapore, the islands rely on copra products and tourism for economic sustenance.

Main exports: Ships (2023)
Exports to USA: 31% of total exports
Imports from Australia: 87% of total imports
Key agricultural products: Vegetables, bananas, pawpaws, and coconuts

Government

As a non-self-governing overseas territory of Australia, the governance of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands is administered from Canberra. The territory operates under Australian common law, with local representation through a unicameral Shire Council.

Capital: West Island
Suffrage: Voting age is 18 years
Legislature: Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire Council with 7 members
Head of government: Administrator Farzian Zainal (since May 2023)

Military and Security

The defense and security of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are the responsibility of Australia. Unlike many countries, the islands do not maintain an independent military or security force.

Energy

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Environment

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands face environmental challenges, notably limited freshwater resources and illegal fishing practices. The tropical climate contributes to the islands' unique ecosystem, although agricultural land is non-existent.

Environmental Issues: Limited freshwater resources and illegal fishing
Land Use: 0% agricultural land

Transportation

There is one airport serving the islands, facilitating limited air travel for residents and tourists.

Airports: 1 (planned for 2025)

Communications

The islands have minimal communications infrastructure, relying on one local radio station and satellite broadcasts from Australia. The percentage of internet users remains relatively low.

Internet users: 13.4% of the population (2021 est.)
Internet country code: .cc

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	593	2021 estimate
Area	14 sq km	Total area
Climate	Tropical	High humidity
Median Age	40 years	2021 estimate
Death Rate	8.89 deaths/1,000	2021 estimate
Major Language	Malay (Cocos dialect)	Predominantly spoken
Main Export	Ships	2023
Imports from Australia	87%	Percentage of imports
Number of Airports	1	Planned operational 2025
Key Agricultural Products	Vegetables, bananas, pawpaws, coconuts	Main agricultural products