Christmas Island
Christmas Island is a non-self-governing territory of Australia situated in the Indian Ocean, encompassing a land area of 135 km² (52 sq mi). The territory is characterized by its multicultural community and unique natural landscape, serving as a strategic external jurisdiction under Australian administration.
Where is Christmas Island?
Christmas Island
- Continent
- Oceania
- Country
- Christmas Island
- Coordinates
- -10.50°, 105.67°
Population Details
- Area
- 135 km²
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Flying Fish Cove
- Region
- Oceania
- Area
- 135 km²
- Languages
- English
- Currency
- Australian dollar ($)
- Timezones
- UTC+07:00
- UN Member
- No
Economy
The island's economy is primarily centered on phosphate mining, which has been the leading industry and a significant source of employment since the late 19th century. As an Australian territory, it utilizes the Australian dollar ($) and benefits from financial integration and public sector funding for essential infrastructure and services. Tourism also plays a vital role in the economy, with visitors attracted to the island's unique wildlife, including its famous red crab migration and diverse bird species. Recent data indicates that the territory's economic output and growth remain closely tied to global phosphate demand and Australian federal support.
Society
The social fabric of the island is distinctively multicultural, with a population composed of 70% Chinese, 20% European, and 10% Malay residents. Religious life reflects this diversity, as 19.4% of the community identifies as Muslim and 18.3% as Buddhist, alongside various Christian denominations. While English is the official language, many residents are multilingual, frequently speaking Mandarin or Malay. Health and education services are maintained according to Australian national standards, ensuring that residents have access to high-quality social welfare and widespread internet connectivity.
Climate & Environment
The climate is tropical and humid, with average temperatures consistently ranging from 22 °C (72 °F) to 28 °C (82 °F) throughout the year. The island experiences a distinct wet season influenced by the northwest monsoons, which provides the necessary rainfall to support the dense tropical rainforests covering approximately 63% of its territory.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- non-self-governing overseas territory of Australia
- Independence
- null (null)
Geography
- Highest Point
- Murray Hill (361 m)
- Lowest Point
- Indian Ocean (0 m)
- Coastline
- 139 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in Christmas IslandExplore weather and climate data for cities in Christmas Island
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Flying Fish Cove
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27°C / 26°C | 31°C / 28°C | 18days (191 mm) Wet | 10.9h Excellent | 80% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| February | 27°C / 26°C | 31°C / 28°C | 21days (262 mm) Wet | 10.1h Excellent | 82% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| March | 27°C / 26°C | 32°C / 29°C | 23days (202 mm) Wet | 10.5h Excellent | 82% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| April | 27°C / 26°C | 31°C / 29°C | 18days (163 mm) Wet | 10.9h Excellent | 81% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| May | 27°C / 26°C | 30°C / 28°C | 18days (123 mm) Wet | 10.6h Excellent | 80% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| June | 27°C / 26°C | 29°C / 27°C | 13days (71 mm) Wet | 10.8h Excellent | 79% Humid | Good | View Details |
| July best | 26°C / 25°C | 27°C / 25°C | 10days (41 mm) Wet | 11.1h Excellent | 77% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| August best | 26°C / 25°C | 27°C / 25°C | 6days (32 mm) Good | 11.4h Excellent | 77% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| September best | 26°C / 25°C | 27°C / 25°C | 7days (24 mm) Good | 11.6h Excellent | 79% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| October best | 26°C / 25°C | 29°C / 26°C | 7days (69 mm) Good | 11.2h Excellent | 79% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| November | 26°C / 25°C | 30°C / 27°C | 14days (172 mm) Wet | 10.4h Excellent | 80% Humid | Good | View Details |
| December | 27°C / 25°C | 31°C / 28°C | 17days (217 mm) Wet | 10.1h Excellent | 80% Humid | Wet | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 27°C / 26°C . Feb: 27°C / 26°C . Mar: 27°C / 26°C . Apr: 27°C / 26°C . May: 27°C / 26°C . Jun: 27°C / 26°C . Jul: 26°C / 25°C . Aug: 26°C / 25°C . Sep: 26°C / 25°C . Oct: 26°C / 25°C . Nov: 26°C / 25°C . Dec: 27°C / 25°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 191 mm. Feb: 262 mm. Mar: 202 mm. Apr: 163 mm. May: 123 mm. Jun: 71 mm. Jul: 41 mm. Aug: 32 mm. Sep: 24 mm. Oct: 69 mm. Nov: 172 mm. Dec: 217 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Population data for Christmas Island is currently being loaded.
The capital of Christmas Island is Flying Fish Cove.
GDP data for Christmas Island is currently being loaded.
GDP data for Christmas Island is currently being loaded.
Christmas Island covers 135 km² (52 sq mi).
The official language of Christmas Island is English.
Christmas Island uses the Australian dollar ($) as its sole official currency.
Christmas Island is an island nation and shares no land borders.
The best months to visit Christmas Island are July, August, September, October, based on climate data for the capital.
Christmas Island covers a total land area of 135 km² (52 sq mi). It features a coastline that extends for 138.9 km (86.3 mi), with much of the terrain consisting of a central plateau that rises sharply from the sea to reach a maximum elevation of 361 m (1,184 ft).
The population of Christmas Island is highly diverse, with current data indicating that 70% of residents are of Chinese descent. Additionally, 20% of the population is European and 10% is Malay, creating a multicultural environment where various languages, religious traditions, and cultural festivals are celebrated throughout the year.
The religious landscape of the island is varied, with 19.4% of the population identifying as Muslim and 18.3% as Buddhist. Other residents identify as Roman Catholic at 8.8%, Protestant at 6.5%, or other Christian denominations at 3.3%, while a significant portion of the population reports having no religious affiliation.
The highest point on the island is Murray Hill, which reaches an elevation of 361 m (1,184 ft). This peak is located within the central plateau and is largely covered by dense tropical rainforest, much of which is protected as part of the Christmas Island National Park to preserve local biodiversity.
The official currency of Christmas Island is the Australian dollar ($). As an external territory of Australia, the island's financial and legal systems are fully integrated with those of the Australian mainland, and all local commerce, government transactions, and administrative services are conducted using this currency.
English is the official language and is used for all administrative, educational, and legal purposes on the island. However, given the diverse ethnic background of the residents, many people also speak Mandarin, Cantonese, or Malay, making the territory a linguistically rich environment that reflects its historical ties to Southeast Asia.
All Indicators
Explore Christmas Island's data across 50+ indicators
Demographics
Economy
Health
Education
Environment
Military & Security
Infrastructure
Geography
Last updated: