Christmas Island

Christmas Island, in the Pacific Ocean

Christmas Island, atoll: see Kiritimati.

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Christmas Island, in the Indian Ocean

Christmas Island, tropical island (2001 pop. 1,508), 60 sq mi (155 sq km), an external territory of Australia, in the Indian Ocean c.200 mi (320 km) S of Java. The majority of the inhabitants descendants of Chinese and Malays who came to work the extensive phosphate deposits. Much of the island is now a national park. The island was annexed by Great Britain in 1888 and became part of the former Straits Settlements in 1889. In 1958 it was ceded to Australia. The island has been used to detain and process Asian asylum seekers who are intercepted at sea.

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Christmas Island

1. the former name (until 1981) of Kiritimati

2. an island in the Indian Ocean, south of Java: administered by Singapore (1900--58), now by Australia; phosphate mining. Pop.: 1500 (2004 est.). Area: 135 sq. km (52 sq. miles)

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Christmas Island 

an island in the eastern Indian Ocean. Governed by the Commonwealth of Australia. Area, 156 sq km. Population, 3,400 (1970 estimate). Christmas Island has elevations to 356 m. The vegetation is tropical. There are extensive phosphate deposits on the island.

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Christmas Island 

one of the largest atolls in the Pacific Ocean, in the Line Islands. Part of the British Gilbert Islands possession. Area, 359 sq km. Circumference, 260 km. Population, 367 (1968). There are coconut plantations on the island; pearling is an important industry. Christmas Island was discovered by J. Cook in 1777.