世界各国

Christmas Island

Introduction to Christmas Island

Named in 1643 for the day of its discovery, the island was annexed and settlement was begun 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.

Government

Capital:

The Settlement

National holiday:

Australia Day, 26 January (1788)

Economy

Economy overview:

Phosphate mining had been the only significant economic activity, but in December 1987 the Australian Government closed the mine. In 1991, the mine was reopened. With the support of the government, a $34 million casino opened in 1993. The casino closed in 1998. The Australian Government in 2001 agreed to support the creation of a commercial space-launching site on the island, projected to begin operations in mid-2004 

Industries:

tourism, phosphate extraction (near depletion) 

Transportation

Highways:

total: 240 km
paved: 30 km
unpaved: 210 km (2000)

Ports and harbors:

Flying Fish Cove

Airports:

1 (2003 est.)