Christmas Island: An Australian External Territory in the Indian Ocean

Christmas Island, officially known as the Territory of Christmas Island, is an Australian external territory located in the Indian Ocean. The island is named after the day it was discovered, Christmas Day, in 1643 by Captain William Mynors of the British East India Company ship the Royal Mary.

The island has a unique geographical and ecological profile, known for its rich biodiversity, including the famous red crabs that inhabit the island. It is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the island.

Administratively, Christmas Island is part of Australia, with its capital and main settlement being The Settlement. The territory operates under Christmas Island Time (CXT), which is UTC +7 hours, and does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

The island has a diverse population, including people of Chinese, Malay, and European descent. The economy of Christmas Island is primarily supported by the Australian government, with additional revenue generated from phosphate mining and tourism.

Despite its remote location, Christmas Island is known for its natural beauty and unique cultural heritage, making it an interesting and distinct part of the Australian territories.