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Updated: 02 June 2003 Cocos (Keeling) IslandsWhere are the Cocos (Keeling) Islands ?
The Cocos (Keeling) islands are a series of 27 coral islands, formed into two large coral atolls, situated in the Indian Ocean, approximately 2770 kilometres north west of Perth. Located at 96°50' East, by 12°10' South, they cover an area of 14 square kilometres. The islands are heavily vegetated despite the constant occurrence of cyclones. A population of 546 people live on these islands, mainly on Home Island and West Island.  When were they discovered and by who ?The Cocos Islands where discovered by Captain William Keeling in 1609 and are officially referred to as the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to avoid confusion with other islands of the same name. The group of islands remained uninhabited until 1826 when they were settled by Alexander Hare. In 1827 John Clunies-Ross brought Malays in to harvest coconut crops. Britain annexxed the islands in 1857 and 29 years later they were given to the Cunies-Ross family. In 1978 the islands were bought from the family by the Australian government and in 1984, the islanders voted to continue their link with Australia. |
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