Country Profile: Christmas Island
Christmas Island is a small territory located in the Indian Ocean, southeast of Asia. It covers an area of approximately 135 square kilometers and is characterized by steep cliffs and dense jungle that rise to a central plateau, with a majority of its population residing on the northern tip of the island. The economy is largely driven by government services and tourism, with a history of phosphate mining that has since declined due to environmental concerns. Governed as a non-self-governing overseas territory of Australia, it has unique political and social dynamics shaped by its diverse population.
Geography
Christmas Island is situated in the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia, and spans a total area of 135 square kilometers. The island features a tropical climate, with a notable wet season from December to April, and its terrain is marked by steep cliffs that give way to a central plateau. The island is surrounded by a narrow fringing reef, which can pose maritime hazards.
- 138.9 km: coastline length
- 361 m: highest point at Murray Hill
- 100%: land use is classified as non-agricultural
- 0 km: no land boundaries with other countries
- 12 nm: territorial and contiguous maritime claims
People and Society
As of 2021, Christmas Island has a population of approximately 1,692, consisting primarily of a mix of ethnic groups including 70% Chinese, 20% European, and 10% Malay. English is the official language, while Mandarin and Malay are also commonly spoken. The island has no indigenous population, and its demographic profile reflects a moderate median age of 38 years.
- 1,692: estimated population in 2021
- 1.11%: population growth rate (2014 estimate)
- 70.4%: percentage of the population aged 15-64 years
- 19.4%: population identifying as Muslim
- 27.6%: English speakers at home (2016 estimate)
Economy
Christmas Island has a high-income economy largely dependent on government services and tourism, following the depletion of its phosphate mining industry. The island also operates Australia's Immigration Detention Centre, contributing to its economic landscape. Exports include fertilizers and various chemical compounds, while imports primarily consist of goods from the USA and Australia.
- 30%: exports to Indonesia in 2023
- 26%: exports to the USA in 2023
- 1.505 AUD: exchange rate against the US dollar in 2023
- 58%: imports from the USA in 2023
- 40%: imports from Australia in 2023
Government
Christmas Island is a non-self-governing territory of Australia, administered directly from Canberra. The island has a unicameral legislative council consisting of nine elected members, representing various local interests. The political structure is governed under Australian law, with the king of Australia as the head of state.
- 9: seats in the Christmas Island Shire Council
- 18 years: voting age for residents
- October 2025: expected date of the next council election
- 1 October 1958: date of establishment of governance under the Christmas Island Act
- 13%: percentage of women in the legislative council
Military and Security
The responsibility for defense and security on Christmas Island lies with Australia, with no local military forces. This arrangement reflects the island's status as an overseas territory of Australia.
Transportation
Transportation on Christmas Island includes one operational airport and a decommissioned railway that once facilitated phosphate mining. The primary port, Flying Fish Cove, serves as the main entry and exit point for maritime traffic.
- 1: operational airport (forecast for 2025)
- 18 km: length of the now-inactive Christmas Island Phosphate Company Railway
- 1: port located at Flying Fish Cove (2024 forecast)
- 0: large ports currently operational
Communications
The island has limited broadcasting capabilities, featuring one community radio station and access to satellite broadcasts from Australian networks. Internet usage is notable, with a significant portion of the population connected.
- 78.6%: internet usage among the population (2016 estimate)
- .cx: internet country code for Christmas Island
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,692 | Estimated as of 2021 |
| Area | 135 sq km | Total area of the island |
| GDP | High-income | Classified economic status |
| Elevation | 361 m | Highest point on the island |
| Climate | Tropical | Wet and dry seasons present |
| Unemployment | N/A | Not provided in source |
| Energy Consumption | N/A | Not provided in source |
| Birth Rate | N/A | Not provided in source |
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