Christmas Island

Christmas Island is a small island located in the Indian Ocean, about 2,600 kilometers (1,600 mi) northwest of Perth, Western Australia. The island has an area of 135 square kilometers (52 sq mi), making it one of the world's smallest inhabited islands. The island is home to a small population of around 1,500 people, most of whom are of Chinese or Malay descent. The island was named by Captain William Mynors of the British East India Company, who arrived on the island on Christmas Day in 1643. The island was annexed by the British Empire in 1888 and became a part of the Australian colony of Western Australia in 1901. The island has a tropical climate and is home to a number of unique plant and animal species. Around two-thirds of the island is covered in rainforest, and the island is home to the red crab, which is found nowhere else in the world. The island has a rich history and culture, and is a popular tourist destination. Visitors to the island can enjoy its beautiful beaches, rainforest walks, and wildlife.