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Territory of Christmas Island
Basic facts as per the CIA
World Fact Book
Geographic
Coordinates: 10 30 S, 105 40 E
Location:
South-eastern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of
Indonesia
Area & Terrain: 135 sq
km; steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central plateau
Population:
1,493 (July 2006 est.)
Ethnic Groups: Chinese
70%, European 20%, Malay 10%, no indigenous population
(2001)
Capital: The Settlement
Languages: English
(official), Chinese, Malay
Religions: Buddhist 36%,
Muslim 25%, Christian 18%, other 21% (1997)
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.
Government:
non-self governing territory of Australia; administered by the
Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services
Constitution: Christmas Island Act of 1958-59 (1 October 1958) as
amended by the Territories Law Reform Act of 1992
Legislative Branch:
unicameral
Christmas Island Shire Council (9 seats; members elected by popular
vote to serve four-year terms)
Legal
System: under the authority of the governor general
of Australia and Australian law
Currency: Australian
dollar (AUD)
Economy: 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.
Industries:
tourism, phosphate extraction (near depletion)
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