Christmas Island is an Australian territory located in the Indian Ocean, about 2,600 kilometers (1,600 mi) northwest of the Western Australia mainland, and 135 kilometers (84 mi) south of Java, Indonesia. The official language is English and the currency is the Australian dollar. The population is approximately 2,000 people. Christmas Island is a territory of Australia, it's governed by an Administrator appointed by the Australian Government and a Shire Council.
Christmas Island is known for its unique wildlife, particularly the annual red crab migration, as well as its tropical rainforests and beaches. The economy of Christmas Island is based on tourism, and the island is also a major source of phosphate.
Christmas Island has a small and stable population, with a mix of Chinese, Malay, and European heritage. The island has a limited infrastructure and services, but it has a high standard of living and a relatively low crime rate. The island has a number of facilities such as an airport, a hospital, and a university research station.
In recent years, Christmas Island has been used as a processing center for asylum seekers and refugees attempting to reach Australia by boat. This has led to controversy and criticism, with some accusing the Australian government of mistreatment of asylum seekers and lack of transparency in the management of the center.
Christmas Island is also known for its unique geography and natural beauty, such as the Christmas Island National Park, which covers more than two-thirds of the island and is home to a diverse array of plants and animals, including the famous red crabs.