Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island is a non-self-governing territory of Australia in the South Pacific, distinguished by its unique culture and historical ties to the Pitcairn Islanders. Recent estimates show a stable population of approximately 2,200 residents inhabiting its 36 km² (14 sq mi) of volcanic terrain. The territory maintains a high-income status with an estimated Gross Territorial Product per capita exceeding 60,000 Australian dollars, closely integrated with the broader Australian economic framework.
Where is Norfolk Island?
Norfolk Island
- Continent
- Oceania
- Country
- Norfolk Island
- Coordinates
- -29.03°, 167.95°
Population Details
- Area
- 36 km²
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Kingston
- Region
- Oceania
- Area
- 36 km²
- Languages
- English, Norfuk
- Currency
- Australian dollar ($)
- Timezones
- UTC+11:30
- UN Member
- No
Economy
The economy is primarily driven by tourism, which provides over 35 percent of the territory's total output and supports most local jobs. Recent estimates indicate a total Gross Territorial Product of approximately 139 million Australian dollars, reflecting a robust standard of living. Public services and infrastructure are heavily supported by government expenditure, which has increased significantly to maintain parity with the Australian mainland. While agriculture is a smaller sector, the island remains largely self-sufficient in the production of fresh eggs, poultry, and beef.
Society
The social fabric of the territory is a blend of Australian and Pitcairn Islander heritage, with the Norfuk language still widely spoken alongside English. Education is provided through a local school system following the Australian curriculum, ensuring nearly universal literacy among the population. Health services are administered through a central facility providing primary and aged care, while serious medical needs are met through mainland transfers. Digital connectivity is widespread, with current estimates showing that over 57 percent of residents actively use the internet.
Climate & Environment
The island enjoys a marine subtropical climate characterized by mild temperatures and consistent rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures typically range from 13 °C (55 °F) during the winter to 25 °C (77 °F) in the summer months, moderated by sea breezes. This temperate environment supports the island's lush vegetation and the iconic Norfolk Island pine trees.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- non-self-governing territory of Australia
- Independence
- null (null)
Geography
- Highest Point
- Mount Bates (319 m)
- Lowest Point
- Pacific Ocean (0 m)
- Coastline
- 32 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in Norfolk IslandExplore weather and climate data for cities in Norfolk Island
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Kingston
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January best | 22°C / 21°C | 23°C / 20°C | 6days (92 mm) Good | 12.1h Excellent | 76% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| February | 23°C / 22°C | 23°C / 21°C | 8days (69 mm) Wet | 10.7h Excellent | 79% Humid | Good | View Details |
| March best | 22°C / 21°C | 22°C / 20°C | 10days (87 mm) Wet | 10.6h Excellent | 74% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| April | 22°C / 21°C | 21°C / 19°C | 10days (103 mm) Wet | 9.2h Good | 74% Muggy | Good | View Details |
| May | 20°C / 19°C | 18°C / 16°C | 11days (70 mm) Wet | 8.8h Good | 72% Muggy | Good | View Details |
| June | 19°C / 18°C | 17°C / 14°C | 10days (96 mm) Wet | 8.4h Good | 70% Muggy | Good | View Details |
| July | 18°C / 17°C | 15°C / 13°C | 10days (117 mm) Wet | 8.2h Good | 71% Muggy | Fair | View Details |
| August | 17°C / 16°C | 15°C / 12°C | 9days (94 mm) Wet | 9.1h Good | 71% Muggy | Good | View Details |
| September | 18°C / 17°C | 16°C / 13°C | 8days (78 mm) Wet | 10.3h Excellent | 71% Muggy | Good | View Details |
| October | 19°C / 18°C | 18°C / 15°C | 7days (62 mm) Good | 11.2h Excellent | 75% Muggy | Good | View Details |
| November best | 20°C / 19°C | 20°C / 17°C | 6days (39 mm) Good | 11.9h Excellent | 75% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| December best | 22°C / 21°C | 23°C / 19°C | 7days (86 mm) Good | 11.3h Excellent | 77% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 22°C / 21°C . Feb: 23°C / 22°C . Mar: 22°C / 21°C . Apr: 22°C / 21°C . May: 20°C / 19°C . Jun: 19°C / 18°C . Jul: 18°C / 17°C . Aug: 17°C / 16°C . Sep: 18°C / 17°C . Oct: 19°C / 18°C . Nov: 20°C / 19°C . Dec: 22°C / 21°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 92 mm. Feb: 69 mm. Mar: 87 mm. Apr: 103 mm. May: 70 mm. Jun: 96 mm. Jul: 117 mm. Aug: 94 mm. Sep: 78 mm. Oct: 62 mm. Nov: 39 mm. Dec: 86 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Population data for Norfolk Island is currently being loaded.
The capital of Norfolk Island is Kingston.
GDP data for Norfolk Island is currently being loaded.
GDP data for Norfolk Island is currently being loaded.
Norfolk Island covers 36 km² (14 sq mi).
Norfolk Island has 2 official languages: English, Norfuk.
Norfolk Island uses the Australian dollar ($) as its sole official currency.
Norfolk Island is an island nation and shares no land borders.
The best months to visit Norfolk Island are January, March, November, December, based on climate data for the capital.
Tourism is the cornerstone of the economy, accounting for over 35 percent of all economic activity. Visitors are attracted by the island's unique history as a former penal colony and its status as a World Heritage site. Other minor sectors include agriculture, which produces beef and poultry, and the export of Norfolk Island pine seeds.
The Australian dollar is the official currency used for all transactions on the island. English is the primary language for government and education, while Norfuk—a unique creole blending 18th-century English and Tahitian—is also widely spoken. This dual language usage reflects the island's unique cultural heritage from the Pitcairn settlers.
Norfolk Island covers a total land area of 36 km² (14 sq mi) and has a coastline of 32 km (20 mi). It is a volcanic island characterized by steep cliffs and the peaks of Mount Bates, which reaches 319 m (1,047 ft). Its remote Pacific location is roughly 1,600 km (994 mi) northeast of Sydney.
Norfolk Island is a non-self-governing territory under the authority of Australia. While it previously held a different administrative status, it is now integrated into the Australian federal system for taxation, social security, and health services. The territory's residents are represented in the Australian Parliament as part of a mainland electorate.
The territory maintains a high standard of living similar to regional Australia, supported by a strong tourism sector and federal government investment. Recent data indicates a Gross Territorial Product of over 139 million Australian dollars, translating to a high income per capita. Residents have access to essential social services, modern telecommunications, and a high literacy rate.
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