Christmas Island (disambiguation) facts for kids
Christmas Island usually refers to one of two islands named because they were discovered on Christmas Day. One is an Australian territory in the Indian Ocean, famous for its unique wildlife. The other is a large coral island in the Pacific Ocean, part of the country of Kiribati.
Christmas Island, Australia
Christmas Island is a small island territory belonging to Australia. It is located in the Indian Ocean, about 2,600 kilometers (1,600 miles) northwest of Perth, Western Australia. It is also quite close to Indonesia, being about 360 kilometers (220 miles) south of Java.
Why Is It Called Christmas Island?
The island was first seen by Europeans on December 25, 1643, by Captain William Mynors of the British East India Company. Because it was Christmas Day, he named it "Christmas Island." However, it wasn't explored until much later.
What Makes Christmas Island Special?
Christmas Island is famous for its amazing nature and wildlife. About two-thirds of the island is a national park. This park protects many unique plants and animals.
The Red Crab Migration
One of the most incredible sights on Christmas Island is the annual migration of millions of red crabs. Every year, usually in October or November, these crabs leave the forest and march to the ocean to lay their eggs. The island builds special bridges and tunnels to help the crabs cross roads safely. It's a truly spectacular event!
Unique Birds and Other Animals
The island is also home to many special birds. These include the Christmas Island frigatebird and the Christmas Island booby. Many seabirds nest on the island's cliffs. The island's isolation means many species found here are unique to Christmas Island.
Life on Christmas Island
The island has a small population of around 1,800 people. They live mostly in settlements like Flying Fish Cove. The people come from different backgrounds, including Chinese, Malay, and European. This mix creates a rich and diverse culture.
How Do People Live There?
For many years, the main industry on Christmas Island was mining for phosphate. Phosphate is a mineral used in fertilizers. Today, tourism and conservation are becoming more important. People visit to see the crabs, dive in the clear waters, and enjoy the peaceful environment.
Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati
Another island known as Christmas Island is actually called Kiritimati. This name is the Gilbertese way of saying "Christmas." Kiritimati is part of the island nation of Kiribati in the Pacific Ocean. It is located almost directly on the Equator.
The World's Largest Coral Atoll
Kiritimati is special because it is the largest coral atoll in the world by land area. An atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef, island, or series of islets. Kiritimati's land area is about 388 square kilometers (150 square miles). It has a huge lagoon inside the ring.
Why Is Kiritimati Important?
Like the Australian Christmas Island, Kiritimati was also discovered by Captain James Cook on Christmas Eve in 1777.
Historical Events
In the mid-20th century, Kiritimati was used for important historical events. Several countries conducted nuclear tests there. These tests were carefully managed to ensure safety and environmental protection. Today, the island is peaceful and focuses on its natural beauty.
Wildlife and Nature
Kiritimati is home to millions of seabirds. It is one of the most important nesting sites for seabirds in the Pacific. The island's remote location and large size provide a safe home for many species. The surrounding waters are also rich with marine life, making it a great place for fishing.
Life on Kiritimati
About 7,000 people live on Kiritimati. They are mostly I-Kiribati people. Their lives are closely connected to the ocean and the land. Fishing is a very important part of their daily life and economy.
What Do People Do There?
People on Kiritimati live in small villages. They often fish, grow food, and make handicrafts. Tourism is also growing, with visitors coming for birdwatching, fishing, and experiencing the unique island culture.
