Christmas Island (Territory
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Government Information
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) Government Type: NA
Population Demographics
Population:
1,493 (July 2006 est.) Languages: English (official),
Chinese, Malay Religion: Buddhist 36%, Muslim
25%, Christian 18%, other 21% (1997) Life Expectancy: NA
Economic Information
Currency:
Australian dollar (AUD) GDP(per capita): - Overview: Phosphate mining
had been the only significant economic activity, but
in December 1987 the Australian Government closed the
mine. In 1991, the mine was reopened. With the support
of the government, a $34 million casino opened in 1993.
The casino closed in 1998. The Australian Government
in 2001 agreed to support the creation of a commercial
space-launching site on the island, projected to begin
operations in the near future. Exports: phosphate Import: consumer goods
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Geography
Information
Location:
Southeastern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of
Indonesia Area: total: 135 sq km
land: 135 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Background:
Named in 1643 for the day of its discovery, the island
was annexed and settlement began 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.
Independence Day: none (territory
of Australia)
Capital City: The Settlement
Administrative divisions: none
(territory of Australia)
