Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Background: The islands were discovered in 1609, but remained uninhabited until the 19th century. Annexed by the UK in 1857, they were transferred to the Australian Government in 1955. The population on the two inhabited islands is split between the mostly Europeans on West Island and the Malays on Home Island.
Location: Southeastern Asia, group of islands in the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia, about one-half of the way from Australia to Sri Lanka. Area: total: 14 sq km land: 14 sq km water: 0 sq km. Note: includes the two main islands of West Island and Home Island. Area - comparative: About 24 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC. Coastline: 2.6 km.
Climate and Terrain: Pleasant, modified by the southeast trade winds for about nine months of the year; moderate rainfall. Terrain: Flat, low-lying coral atolls. Natural resources: fish Land use: Arable land: 0% other: 100% (1993 est.) Natural hazards: cyclones may occur in the early months of the year. Environment - current issues: Fresh water resources are limited to rainwater accumulations in natural underground reservoirs.
People: Population: 633. Population growth rate: -0.21%. Ethnic groups: Europeans, Cocos Malays. Religions: Sunni Muslim 57%, Christian 22%, other 21%. Languages: English, Malay.
Government: Capital: West Island. Territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Department of the Environment, Sport, and Territories.
Economy overview: Grown throughout the islands, coconuts are the sole cash crop. Copra and fresh coconuts are the major export earners. Small local gardens and fishing contribute to the food supply.
Labor force - by occupation: the Cocos Islands Cooperative Society Ltd. employs construction workers, stevedores, and lighterage workers; tourism employs others Industries: copra products and tourism.
Agriculture - products: vegetables, bananas, pawpaws, coconuts.
Exports - commodities: copra.
Imports - commodities: foodstuffs.
Statistics: Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 0. Radios: 300. Railways: 0 km. Highways: total: 15 km. Ports and harbors: none; lagoon anchorage only. Airports - with paved runways: 1.