Monday, December 22, 2008

Christmas Island

Since it's almost Christmas and it's a cool name for an island, some facts about Christmas Island.

Christmas Island Named in 1643 for the day of its discovery, the island was annexed
and settlement was begun by the UK in 1888.

The UK transferred sovereignty to Australia in 1958.

Almost two-thirds of the island has been declared a national park.

Christmas Island Location Southeastern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia

Climate tropical, heat and humidity moderated by trade winds

Christmas Island Population: 433 (July 2003 est.)

Christmas Island Religions - Buddhist 36%, Muslim 25%, Christian 18%, other 21% (1997)

Christmas Island Languages - English (official), Chinese, Malay