All countries
Christmas Island
non-self-governing overseas territory of Australia
Although Europeans sighted Christmas Island in 1615, it was named for the day of its rediscovery in 1643. Steep cliffs and dense jungle hampered attempts to explore the island over the next two centuries. The discovery of phosphate on the island in 1887 led to the UK annexing it the following year.
Profile
CapitalThe Settlement (Flying Fish Cove)
Population2K
Area135 km²
CurrencyAustralian dollars (AUD) per US dollar -
At a Glance
Population
2K
