Origin of Name The Keeling Islands were named for their discoverer, Captain William Keeling. The etymology of "Cocos" is unknown.

Location an archipelago of 27 coral islands in the Indian Ocean, between Indonesia and Australia

Total Area 5.5 sq mi (14 sq km)
Highest Point unnamed; 16 ft (5 m)
Lowest Point sea level
Natural Resources none

Nationality Cocos Islanders
Population (July 2015) 596
Ethnic Groups European, Cocos Malayan
Religions Sunni Moslem
Languages Malay, English

Form of Government non-self-governing territory of Australia
Present Constitution Adopted November 23, 1955
Capital West Island
Chief of State Queen of Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom (since February 6, 1952); represented by Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia Sir Peter Cosgrove (since March 24, 2014)
Head of Government non-resident Administrator Barry Haase (since October 6, 2014)
Legislature unicameral Shire Council

Currency Australian Dollar (AUD)
Industries copra products, tourism
Agricultural Products vegetables, bananas, pawpaws, coconuts
Export Commodities copra
Import Commodities foodstuffs

National HolidayAustralia Day; January 26 (1788)
Flag the flag of Australia is used

SEE ALSO
Australia

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SKC Films Library >> General and Old World History >> Australia/Oceania >> Cocos Islands

This page was last updated on 02/19/2017.