Christmas Island

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Names

  • Christmas Island : Name
  • Territory of Christmas Island : Longname

Description

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 type

NA

Religions

Buddhist 36%, Muslim 25%, Christian 18%, other 21% (1997)

Natural Resources

phosphate, beaches

Export commodities

phosphate