Cocos Islands, External territory in Indian Ocean, Australia.
Description
This territory encompasses two atolls with 27 coral islands in the Indian Ocean, 2,770 kilometers (1,720 miles) northwest of Perth, where only Home Island and West Island support permanent populations across a total land area of approximately 14 square kilometers (5.4 square miles).
History
Captain William Keeling sighted these atolls in 1609, while the Clunies-Ross family settled and owned them from 1827 until 1978, when Australia acquired land ownership and a referendum in 1984 led to integration into Australian administrative systems.
Culture
The Cocos Malay community uses its own language and practices Islamic traditions through local organizations, while administration provides bilingual services to approximately 600 residents living primarily on Home Island and West Island.
Practical
Flights from Perth reach this territory twice weekly through the airport on West Island, while entry requirements follow Australian visa regulations and services including healthcare, education, and banking operate across both inhabited islands.
Did you know?
Direction Island served as an important telegraph station during World War I and witnessed the battle between SMS Emden and HMAS Sydney in November 1914, where cable facilities connecting three continents sustained damage.
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West Island Mosque
12.7 kmPulu Cocos Museum
7.5 km
Pulu Keeling National Park
26.8 kmAdministration Building Forecourt
12.9 kmWest Island Mosque
12.7 kmOld Co-op Shop (Canteen)
7.7 kmSlipway and Tank
5.3 kmSix Inch Guns
983 mTrannies Beach
8.1 kmCaptain Ballards Grave
7.7 kmHome Island Foreshore
7.6 kmWest Island Housing Precinct
13.3 kmNorth Keeling Island
27 kmDirection Island (DI) Houses
13.4 kmHome Island Industrial Precinct
7.5 kmEarly Settlers Graves
8.1 km
Oceania House and Surrounds
7.9 kmType 2 Residences
13.4 kmWest Island Elevated Houses
13.5 kmType T Houses Precinct
13.2 kmGovernment House
13.5 kmRAAF Memorial
12.9 kmHome Island Cemetery
6.5 kmQantas Huts (former)
13 km
Pedipo Beach
950.1 kmYacht Club
13.6 kmSnorkeling in the Rip
5.6 kmMuslim Cemetery
6.5 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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