Christmas Island is little more than a speck in the Indian Ocean. Located 2360km northwest of Perth this non-self governing territory of Australia has Jakarta, Indonesia as its nearest neighbour a mere 500km away. The principally Chinese, Malay and Caucasian population delivers a unique atmosphere and a rich but diverse cultural heritage.
The island's National Park, which covers 63% of the country, is of immense interest to scientists and naturalists due to the vast number of species of flora and fauna which are endemic to the island. There is an abundant amount of animal life in the surrounding seas and on land. The most prolific creature is the local red crab, there are an estimated 100 million living on the pristine forest floor. However the ocean is the home to the countries most spectacular residents. In only a few metres of water there are swarms of tropical fish that provide first-rate snorkelling. The coral shelf which plunges vertically downwards into deep water, the local Spinner dolphins and at certain times of year the awesome whaleshark present tremendous diving opportunities.
Christmas Island is a distinctive destination which lacks the flocks of tourists that are evident at more easily accessible tropical locations.
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. United Kingdom transferred sovereignty to Australia in 1958. Almost two-thirds of the island has been declared a national park. 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.
