WTHE WORLD
FACTBOOK
← Country index

Australia and Oceania / CK

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Cocos (Keeling) Islands flag
ⓘ

2021 Factbook flag mirror; image identity has not been individually audited. Source.

Last updated: October 29, 2026

Cocos (Keeling) Islands: CIA World Factbook map from 2021; original boundary notes preserved.
ⓘCIA World Factbook map, February 2021 media edition. Identity reviewed; current boundaries have not been audited. visual contact sheet or original identity check; does not verify current boundaries Boundaries, place names and designations may be dated or disputed; original annotations retained. SHA-256: fa8672f1223025089c8f1bb3ec2812cb00a46e8dec2dfa8bead4c42c82372130. Provenance and inspection record.

Introduction

Background:1

British sea captain William KEELING discovered the Cocos (Keeling) Islands in 1609, and they were named for their coconut trees in 1622. Some maps began referring to them as the Keeling Islands in 1703. In 1825, Scottish trader John CLUNIES-ROSS was trying to get to Christmas Island but was blown off course and landed on Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The next year, a British trader hired CLUNIES-ROSS's brother to bring slaves and a harem of Malay women to create the first permanent settlement on the island. By the 1830s, the Clunies-Ross family had firmly established themselves as the leaders of the islands, and they ruled Cocos (Keeling) Islands in a feudal style until 1978.

The UK annexed the islands in 1857 and administered them from Ceylon after 1878 and from Singapore after 1886. The Cocos (Keeling) Islands hosted a cable relaying station and was attacked by the Germans in World War I. The Japanese similarly attacked the islands in World War II. The UK transferred the islands to Australia in 1955, when they were officially named the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and in 1978, Australia bought all the land held by the Clunies-Ross family, ending their control of the islands. In a referendum in 1984, most islanders voted to integrate with Australia, and Western Australian laws have applied on the islands since 1992.

Geography

Location:2

Southeastern Asia, group of islands in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Indonesia, about halfway between Australia and Sri Lanka

Geographic coordinates:3

12 30 S, 96 50 E

Map references:4

Southeast Asia

Area:5

total:14 sq km
land:14 sq km
water:0 sq km
note:includes the two main islands of West Island and Home Island

Area - comparative:6

about 24 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Land boundaries:7

total:0 km

Coastline:8

26 km

Maritime claims:9

territorial sea:12 nm
exclusive fishing zone:200 nm

Climate:10

tropical with high humidity, moderated by the southeast trade winds for about nine months of the year

Terrain:11

flat, low-lying coral atolls

Elevation:12

highest point:South Point on South Island 9 m
lowest point:Indian Ocean 0 m

Natural resources:13

fish

Land use:14

agricultural land:0% (2018 est.)
forest:0% (2018 est.)
other:100% (2018 est.)

Irrigated land:15

NA

Population distribution:16

only Home Island and West Island are populated

Natural hazards:17

cyclone season is October to April

Geography - note:18

there are 27 coral islands in the group; apart from North Keeling Island, which lies 30 km north of the main group, the islands form a horseshoe-shaped atoll around a lagoon

People and Society

Population:19

total:593 (2021 est.)
male:301
female:292

Nationality:20

noun:Cocos Islander(s)
adjective:Cocos Islander

Ethnic groups:21

Europeans, Cocos Malays

Languages:22

Malay (Cocos dialect) 68.8%, English 22.3%, unspecified 8.9%; note - data represent language spoken at home (2016 est.)

major-language sample(s)

Buku Fakta Dunia, sumber yang diperlukan untuk maklumat asas. (Malay)

The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.

Religions:23

Muslim (predominantly Sunni) 75%, Anglican 3.5%, Roman Catholic 2.2%, none 12.9%, unspecified 6.3% (2016 est.)

Age structure:24

0-14 years:21.2%
15-64 years:61.5%
65 years and over:17.3% (2021)

Median age:25

total:40 years (2021 est.)

Death rate:26

8.89 deaths/1,000 population (2021 est.)

Population distribution:27

only Home Island and West Island are populated

Environment

Environmental issues:28

limited freshwater resources; illegal fishing

Climate:29

tropical with high humidity, moderated by the southeast trade winds for about nine months of the year

Land use:30

agricultural land:0% (2018 est.)
forest:0% (2018 est.)
other:100% (2018 est.)

Government

Country name:31

conventional long form:Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands
conventional short form:Cocos (Keeling) Islands
etymology:the name refers to the abundant coconut trees on the islands and to English Captain William KEELING, the first European to sight the islands in 1609

Government type:32

non-self-governing overseas territory of Australia

Dependency status:33

non-self-governing territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities & Regional Development

Capital:34

name:West Island
geographic coordinates:12 10 S, 96 50 E
time difference:UTC+6.5 (11.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Legal system:35

common law based on the Australian model

Constitution:36

history:23 November 1955 (Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act 1955)

Citizenship:37

see Australia

Suffrage:38

18 years of age

Executive branch:39

chief of state:King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia General Sam MOSTYN (since 1 July 2024)
head of government:Administrator Farzian ZAINAL (since 11 May 2023)
cabinet:NA
election/appointment process:the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the Australian prime minister; administrator appointed by the governor-general for a 2-year term and represents the monarch and Australia

Legislative branch:40

legislature name:Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire Council
legislative structure:unicameral
number of seats:7 (directly elected)
electoral system:plurality/majority
scope of elections:partial renewal
term in office:4 years
most recent election date:10/21/2023
percentage of women in chamber:16.7%
expected date of next election:October 2025

Judicial branch:41

highest court(s):under the terms of the Territorial Law Reform Act 1992, Western Australia provides court services as needed for the island including the Supreme Court and subordinate courts (District Court, Magistrate Court, Family Court, Children's Court, and Coroners' Court)

Political parties:42

none

Diplomatic representation in the US:43

none (territory of Australia)

Diplomatic representation from the US:44

embassy:none (territory of Australia)

International organization participation:45

none

Independence:46

none (territory of Australia)

National holiday:47

Australia Day (commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet of Australian settlers), 26 January (1788)

Flag:48

the flag of Australia is used

National anthem(s):49

title:"Advance Australia Fair"
lyrics/music:Peter Dodds McCORMICK
history:national anthem, as an Australian territory
history:_____
title:"God Save the King"
lyrics/music:unknown
history:royal anthem, as an Australian territory

Economy

Agricultural products:50

vegetables, bananas, pawpaws, coconuts

Industries:51

copra products, tourism

Exports - partners:52

USA 31%, Singapore 29%, UK 12%, Australia 3%, Brazil 3% (2023)

note:top five export partners based on percentage share of exports

Exports - commodities:53

ships (2023)

note:top export commodities based on value in dollars over $500,000

Imports - partners:54

Australia 87%, USA 3%, Philippines 2%, Sweden 2%, Brazil 1% (2023)

note:top five import partners based on percentage share of imports

Imports - commodities:55

iron structures, special purpose motor vehicles, cars, ships, aluminum structures (2023)

Exchange rates:56

Currency:Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar -
2024:1.515 (2024 est.)
2023:1.505 (2023 est.)
2022:1.442 (2022 est.)
2021:1.331 (2021 est.)
2020:1.453 (2020 est.)

Communications

Broadcast media:57

1 local radio station staffed by community volunteers; satellite broadcasts of several Australian radio and TV stations available (2017)

Internet country code:58

.cc

Internet users:59

percent of population:13.4% (2021 est.)

Transportation

Airports:60

1 (2025)

Military and Security

Military - note:61

defense is the responsibility of Australia

Historical observations

Notes & sources

  1. Background. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  2. Location. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  3. Geographic coordinates. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  4. Map references. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  5. Area. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  6. Area - comparative. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  7. Land boundaries. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  8. Coastline. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  9. Maritime claims. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  10. Climate. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  11. Terrain. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  12. Elevation. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  13. Natural resources. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  14. Land use. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  15. Irrigated land. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  16. Population distribution. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  17. Natural hazards. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  18. Geography - note. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  19. Population. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  20. Nationality. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  21. Ethnic groups. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  22. Languages. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  23. Religions. Reference edition; observation: 2016 est.. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  24. Age structure. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  25. Median age. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  26. Death rate. Reference edition; observation: 2021. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  27. Population distribution. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  28. Environmental issues. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  29. Climate. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  30. Land use. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  31. Country name. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  32. Government type. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  33. Dependency status. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  34. Capital. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  35. Legal system. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  36. Constitution. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  37. Citizenship. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  38. Suffrage. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  39. Executive branch. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  40. Legislative branch. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  41. Judicial branch. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  42. Political parties. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  43. Diplomatic representation in the US. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  44. Diplomatic representation from the US. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  45. International organization participation. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  46. Independence. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  47. National holiday. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  48. Flag. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  49. National anthem(s). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  50. Agricultural products. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  51. Industries. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  52. Exports - partners. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  53. Exports - commodities. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  54. Imports - partners. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  55. Imports - commodities. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  56. Exchange rates. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  57. Broadcast media. Reference edition; observation: 2017. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  58. Internet country code. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  59. Internet users. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  60. Airports. Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  61. Military - note. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:28:28 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
Source policy ↗Back to top ↑

Countries & territories

Same-year values. Equal values share a rank.

Sources & method

Ranks cover available countries and territories, using the same indicator, source unit and reference year. Unrounded source values determine ties. Coverage is not a sovereign-country or complete global ranking; national definitions may differ. Missing values and other years are excluded. The information icon preserves the original number, unit and evidence.

RankCountry or territoryValue
Source information
International organization