This tiny dog-shaped island was named on Christmas Day, 1643 by an English sea captain. Today it's a lush, off-the-beaten-path tourist destination famed for its caves and coral reefs . The biggest yearly attraction is the migration of fifty million red crabs down to the sea to spawn.
What's Christmas Island famous for?
Most of it, in fact, is a national park visited by tourists and famous for an annual phenomenon— the migration of tens of millions of red crabs from forest to sea . But Christmas Island is associated in the public mind less with natural beauty than with human misery.
What happened on Christmas Island?
| Date 31 March − 1 April 1942 | Result Japanese victory | Territorial changes Christmas Island occupied by Japanese forces |
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Why is Christmas Island named that?
Early history and exploration
But it wasn't until 1643 that Captain William Mynors of the British East India Company named the island after sighting it on Christmas Day . The first known landing came in 1688, when the English ship Cygnet landed near the Dales on the island's west coast.
What is Christmas Island now known as?
showTranscriptions. Malay name. Malay . Wilayah Pulau Krismas . Christmas Island , officially known as the Territory of Christmas Island, is an Australian external territory comprising the island of the same name.
What language is spoken in Christmas Island?
Language. English is the official language on Christmas Island. However, more than half of our residents speak a language other than English at home. While on the island, you might hear people conversing in Mandarin, Malay, Cantonese, Min Nan, Tagalog and a variety of other languages.
Is Christmas Island worth visiting?
With excellent visibility and warm water , Christmas Island is an ideal place to gain diving certifications. Christmas Island is also an important fishing destination, offering everything from dropping a line off the jetty at Flying Fish Cove to deep-sea game fishing.
Who owns Xmas island?
Australia and New Zealand buy the Christmas Island Phosphate company and Christmas Island is administered by the Colony of Singapore. Sovereignty is transferred by the United Kingdom to Australia and Christmas Island becomes an Australian Territory.
Can you holiday on Christmas Island?
This tiny island in the Indian Ocean is a true paradise with some unique experiences on offer. Whether you're into adventure or prefer a more relaxed escape, there's a Christmas Island holiday package for everyone. Christmas Island is surrounded by unspoilt tropical reef which makes it an ideal spot for snorkelling.
Who Rules Christmas Island?
Christmas Island, officially Territory of Christmas Island, island in the Indian Ocean, about 224 miles (360 km) south of the island of Java and 870 miles (1,400 km) northwest of Australia, that is administered as an external territory of Australia .
Do you need a passport to go to Christmas Island?
Having to get a visa to Christmas Island takes all the fun out of traveling. Passports and visas are not required when travelling from the Australian mainland. However, photographic identification must be produced for clearance through Customs and Immigration.
Are there two Christmas Island?
| Geography | Coordinates 01°51′00′′N 157°24′00′′WCoordinates: 01°51′00′′N 157°24′00′′W | Archipelago Line Islands | Area 388.39 km 2 (149.96 sq mi) | Highest elevation 13 m (43 ft) |
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Can I fly to Christmas Island?
International flights to Christmas Island are currently suspended . ... We strongly recommend that ALL travellers purchase a travel insurance policy that covers travel to the Indian Ocean Territories.
Is Sonic from Christmas Island?
Sonic was born on a small island called Christmas Island . But his love for adventure called him away and he has visited so many different places on Earth that he doesn't really have a place he considers to be home. Christmas Island (クリスマス島, Kurisumasu tō) is the place where Sonic the Hedgehog was born.
What is the population of Christmas Island 2021?
Digital 2021: Christmas Island
Christmas Island had a population of 1,843 in January 2021. Christmas Island's population remained unchanged between January 2020 and January 2021.
Can you eat Christmas Island crabs?
They aren't edible . Even if you can't eat them, it's definitely worth dropping by Christmas Island in December or January to watch a blanket of Red crabs migrate to the ocean and back – just be sure to wear boots.
