Country Profile: Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island is a small, subtropical island located in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia. With a population of approximately 1,739 people, the island's community primarily descends from Pitcairn Islanders. The economy is characterized as high-income, relying heavily on tourism and small-scale agriculture, while governance is administered as an overseas territory of Australia. Over the years, Norfolk Island has undergone significant changes in self-governance, with ongoing discussions for greater local autonomy.
Geography
Norfolk Island is a volcanic island situated in Oceania, featuring a mild subtropical climate and rolling plains with a total area of 36 square kilometers. The island's coastline stretches for 32 kilometers, primarily consisting of inaccessible cliffs, except for a small southern area where the capital, Kingston, is located. The terrain includes the highest point at Mount Bates, which rises to 319 meters.
- 36 sq km - Total area of Norfolk Island
- 32 km - Length of the coastline
- 25% - Portion of land used for agriculture (2023 estimate)
- 12 nm - Extent of the territorial sea
- 12.2% - Forest cover on the island (2023 estimate)
People and Society
The population of Norfolk Island stands at approximately 1,739, with a slight majority of females. The community is ethnically diverse, with notable groups including Australian, English, and Pitcairn Islanders. The primary languages spoken are English and Norfolk, a unique blend of 18th-century English and ancient Tahitian. The society is predominantly Protestant, with a significant portion of the population identifying with no religion.
- 1,739 - Total population (2021)
- 44.9% - Percentage of the population speaking English at home (2016)
- 22.8% - Proportion of Australians in the population (2011 estimate)
- 26.7% - Percentage of the population with no religious affiliation (2016)
- 0.01% - Estimated population growth rate (2014)
Economy
Norfolk Island's economy is classified as a high-income territory, emphasizing tourism and a small agricultural sector. The local economy has shifted from being a former tax haven to increasingly engaging in the export of medical cannabis. The labor force is small and has been experiencing a decline, leading to an increase in part-time job opportunities.
- 31% - Share of exports going to the USA (2023)
- 52% - Portion of imports originating from Australia (2023)
- Tourism - The primary industry driving economic growth
- Pine seeds and lumber - Key export commodities (2021)
- Increasing medical cannabis exporter - Emerging sector in the economy
Government
Norfolk Island is administered as an overseas territory of Australia, with significant local governance provided by the Norfolk Island Regional Council. Despite efforts for self-governance over the decades, recent actions by the Australian government have reduced autonomy. The capital, Kingston, functions under English common law and follows the laws of Australia.
- 1788-2015 - Periods of governance shifting from penal colony attempts to territorial administration
- 5 - Number of seats in the Norfolk Island Regional Council
- 18 years - Age of suffrage for elections
- King CHARLES III - Current chief of state since September 2022
- Bounty Day - National holiday celebrated on June 8
Transportation
Norfolk Island has limited transportation infrastructure, with one airport and a single port in Kingston. The island is not served by large commercial ports, but the existing facilities enable essential connectivity for goods and tourism.
- 1 - Number of airports (2025)
- 1 - Total number of ports (2024)
- Kingston - The key port for maritime activities
Communications
The island has a modest communications landscape, with one local radio station and access to various Australian satellite broadcasts. The percentage of internet users among the population highlights a growing engagement with digital technology.
- 46.1% - Portion of the population using the internet (2021)
- .nf - Internet country code for Norfolk Island
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,739 | Total as of 2021 |
| Area | 36 sq km | Total land area |
| Share of imports from Australia | 52% | Largest import partner (2023) |
| Percentage of agricultural land | 25% | Land use estimate (2023) |
| Number of seats in council | 5 | Unicameral structure |
| Internet user percentage | 46.1% | Population using the internet |
| National holiday | June 8 | Bounty Day |
| Elevation (highest point) | 319 m | Mount Bates |
Explore more about this country: