Background: Named in 1643 for the day of its discovery the island was annexed and settlement was begun by the UK in 1888. Phosphate mining began in the 1890s. The UK transferred sovereignty to Australia in 1958. The phosphate mine closed in 1987 was reopened four years later but the need for an alternative industry has spurred investment in tourism. Old mining areas are being restored and almost two-thirds of the island has been declared a national park.

Geographic coordinates: 10 30 S 105 40 E

Map reference: Southeast Asia

Area
Comparative: about 0.7 times the size of Washington DC

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 138.9 km

Climate: tropical; heat and humidity moderated by trade winds

Terrain: steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central plateau

Natural resources: phosphate

Irrigated land: NA km²

Natural hazards: the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard

Geography
Note: located along major sea lanes of Indian Ocean

Population: 2,564 (July 2000 est.)
Growth rate: 7.77% (2000 est.)
Below poverty line: NA%

Ethnic groups: Chinese 61% Malay 25% European 11% other 3% no indigenous population

Languages: English Chinese Malay

Religions: Buddhist 55% Christian 15% Muslim 10% other 20% (1991)

Population growth rate: 7.77% (2000 est.)

Birth rate: NA births/1000 population

Death rate: NA deaths/1000 population

Net migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1000 population

Environment
Current issues: NA

Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1000 live births

Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman

Government type: NA

Capital: The Settlement

Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia)

Independence: none (territory of Australia)

National holiday: NA

Constitution: Christmas Island Act of 1958

Legal system: under the authority of the governor general of Australia and Australian law

Legislative branch: unicameral Christmas Island Shire Council (9 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve one-year terms)

Judicial branch: Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders: none

International organization participation: none

Diplomatic representation
In the us: none (territory of Australia)
From the us: none (territory of Australia)

Flag description: the flag of Australia is used

Economy 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 by union workers. With the support of the government Australian-based Casinos Austria International Ltd. built a $34 million casino on Christmas Island which opened in 1993. As of yearend 1999 gaming facilities at the casino were temporarily closed but were expected to reopen in early 2000. Another economic prospect is the possible location of a space-launching site on the island.

Real gdp growth rate: NA%

Real gdp per capita: purchasing power parity - $N/A

Agriculture products: NA

Industries: tourism phosphate extraction (near depletion)

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Labor force: NA
By occupation: tourism 400 people mining 100 people (1995)

Unemployment rate: NA%

Population below poverty line: NA%

Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June

Inflation rate consumer prices: NA%

Exports: $N/A
Commodities: phosphate
Partners: Australia NZ

Imports: $N/A
Commodities: consumer goods
Partners: principally Australia

Debt external: $N/A

Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.5207 (January 2000) 1.5497 (1999) 1.5888 (1998) 1.3439 (1997) 1.2773 (1996) 1.3486 (1995)

Electricity
Production: NA kWh
Consumption: NA kWh
Exports: NA kWh
Imports: NA kWh

Telephones
Main lines in use: NA
Mobile cellular: 0 (1999)

Internet
Service providers isps: NA

Airports: 1 (1999 est.)

Railways: 24 km to serve phosphate mines

Merchant marine: none (1999 est.)

Disputes international: none