Christmas Island flag

Christmas Island

Territory of Christmas Island

Capital

Flying Fish Cove

Region

Oceania

Population

1,692

Area (km²)

135

💡Quick Summary

Christmas Island, a small Australian external territory in Oceania, spans just 135 km² and is home to a population of about 1,692, with Flying Fish Cove serving as its capital. Famous for its annual red crab migration and phosphate mining history, the island's GDP data is not available, reflecting its remote, nature-focused economy. Despite its isolation in the Indian Ocean, it boasts unique biodiversity and serves as a key migration route for seabirds.

Key Insights

Tiny Landmass, Major Regional Significance

With an area of just 135 square kilometers, Christmas Island is geographically tiny, smaller than many major global cities. However, its strategic location in the Indian Ocean and its classification under the 'Australia and New Zealand' subregion gives it disproportionate geopolitical and environmental importance, particularly regarding migration and biodiversity.

Capital City Concentrates Nearly All Residents

The capital, Flying Fish Cove, is the only significant settlement on the island. Given the island's small size and high proportion of national park, it is highly probable that the vast majority, if not all, of the 1,692 residents live within or immediately adjacent to this single capital area, creating a highly centralized community structure.

High Population Density for a Remote Island

Despite its small population, Christmas Island has a relatively high density of approximately 12.5 people per square kilometer (1692 people / 135 km²). While not high by urban standards, this density is significant for a remote island territory largely consisting of protected national parkland, suggesting concentrated settlement areas.

Geographical Classification: Oceania but Australian Subregion

Christmas Island is geographically located in Oceania, but it is explicitly categorized within the 'Australia and New Zealand' subregion. This highlights its political status as an external territory of Australia, linking its governance and economic structure strongly to the larger continent rather than typical Pacific Island nations.

Economic Indicators
Latest economic data from World Bank

No economic data available

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