Travel Guide Christmas Island - Country Information

Coordinates: 10 30 S, 105 40 E
Population: 1,493 (July 2006 est.)
Religions: Buddhist 36%, Muslim 25%, Christian 18%, other 21% (1997)
Languages: English (official), Chinese, Malay
Climate: tropical with a wet and dry season; heat and humidity moderated by trade winds; wet season (December to April)
Elevation: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m / highest point: Murray Hill 361 m
Hazards: the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard
Background Christmas Island: Named in 1643 for the day of its discovery, the island was annexed and settlement began by the UK in 1888. Phosphate mining began in the 1890s. The UK transferred sovereignty to Australia in 1958. Almost two-thirds of the island has been declared a national park.