Official Name: Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Capital: West Island
The Cocos Islands are a territory of Australia, located in the Indian Ocean southwest of Christmas Island and approximately halfway between Australia and Sri Lanka. The territory consists of two atolls and 27 coral islands.
Area: Approximately 14 square kilometers (approximately 5.4 square miles).
Population: Approximately 600 people (as of 2023 estimate).
Language: The official languages are English and Cocos Malay.
The Cocos Islands have a tropical climate, with high humidity and average temperatures ranging between 23-29°C (73-84°F) year-round.
The small economy is based on tourism, small-scale agriculture, and some aid from Australia. Copra and fresh coconuts have traditionally been significant exports.
As a territory of Australia, the head of state is the monarch of the United Kingdom, represented by the Australian Governor-General. Locally, the islands are governed by the Shire of Cocos, a local government area.
The Cocos Islands District High School provides education for children between the ages of 4 and 16 and follows the Australian education system. For further education, students usually move to mainland Australia.
Most of the Cocos Islands’ residents are of Cocos Malay descent and follow Sunni Islam. Their culture is a unique combination of their Malay roots and the influence of Australian governance.
Due to its remote location and abundant natural beauty, the Cocos Islands are a beloved destination for adventure tourism, especially birdwatching, diving, and snorkeling.
This is a general overview of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. There’s much more to learn about these remote and beautiful islands, from their unique flora and fauna to their rich cultural traditions.
