Christmas Island
Christmas Island lies in the Indian Ocean and should not be confused with Christmas Island (Pacific).
The island is a non-self-governing territory under Australia 2360 km northwest of Perth and 500 km south of Jakarta, Indonesia. Who live 1,500 people who primarily live in the northern part of urban Settlement, Silver City, Kampong, Poon Saan and Drumsite. The capital is Flying Fish Cove and the Australian Government appointed in 2003, Evan Williams, as the island’s administrator. The island has an Assembly composed of 9 members who meet every two years. There are no political parties.
Many animals and plants are endemic to the island and is therefore of great interest to scientists. Although there has been mining activity in many years, is 65% of the island’s 135 km ² classified as national park.
History of Christmas Island
The island was the beginning of the 17th century known by European sailors. It was named by British Captain William Mynors of the 25th December 1643 on the ship Royal Mary reached the island. The first Europeans who visited the island was in 1688 the British geographer William Dampier, who found the island uninhabited.
After the island was found large phosphate occurred champion, was in 1888 annexed by the British Empire and shortly after in 1890 were extracted phosphate using mostly laborers from Singapore, China and Malaysia.
In the second World War the island was occupied by the Japanese.
The island formerly belonged to the British crown colony of Singapore, was transferred to Australia the first oktober 1958th From 1981, the island’s inhabitants Australian citizenship. From 1984, the Australian island of social rights in terms of social welfare, healthcare and education while providing the inhabitants political rights. In 1985 introduced a rent tax. The focal point of local life was Phosphate Commission, where the entire population worked. In 1987 the authorities closed the mine was reopened in 1990 by a private mine owner, but imposed tough environmental requirements. In 1991, a view made investments. development of the island’s tourist potential.
In August 2001, 460 mostly Afghan, Sinhalese and Thai refugees rescued by a Norwegian ship, which subsequently tried to set them off on Christmas Island, but this was hampered by the Australian authorities. A new law excluded the Christmas Island and other Australian colonies from being the gateway to Australia. It asked the Australian government of the Pacific states of Nauru, Palau, Fiji and Tuvalu on opening reception camps for refugees rejected by Australia.
Clipperton Island & China
