Easter and Christmas are one of the most important holidays for Christians, who currently account for about a third of the world's population. This fact was reflected, among other things, in the fact that many geographical objects were named after these holidays - from small villages to entire islands. We have already talked about how to live no taxes on Easter Island . This time we will explore the potential of another piece of land, named after the most important Christian holiday.
Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean is one of the most impressive creations of nature. It can offer its guests a wide variety of wonders, such as the unique annual mass migration of red crabs, rare and unusual birds, as well as long deserted beaches, the footprints on the sand of which are left mainly by turtles nesting here.
The abundance of endemic species turns this piece of land into an analogue of the no less famous Galapagos Islands. Christmas Island offers a curious combination of culture, history and nature that makes it a destination that guarantees travelers a truly extraordinary experience. Read on to find out why you should visit Christmas Island and how to get there.
What you need to know about Christmas Island
The territory of Christmas Island is part of Australia. This piece of land in the Indian Ocean is inhabited by about 2 thousand inhabitants, who for the most part have chosen the northern tip of the island. Most of the local population are Australians with Chinese and Malaysian roots. Christmas Island got its name due to the fact that European sailors discovered it on the eve of Catholic Christmas (December 25, 1643). Despite the name of this piece of land, the majority of the locals profess Buddhism (75% of the islanders profess this religion - according to the census conducted by the Australian authorities in 2011), while only 12% of the islanders profess Christianity.
The geographical isolation of the island and minimal human intervention have resulted in a high level of endemism of flora and fauna, which is why the local nature is currently of great interest to scientists, naturalists and eco-tourism enthusiasts.
The latter should also appreciate the fact that sixty-three percent of the island's territory (which is 135 square kilometers) is occupied by an Australian national park, which, in turn, is largely covered by tropical forests.
- History of Christmas Island
The first visit by Europeans to this place, as noted above, took place in the 17th century. The discoverer was Captain William Minors, who sailed here with his crew on the ship Royal Mary, which is part of the English East India Company. At the same time, almost immediately after the opening, the Europeans forgot about this piece of paradise. The first attempt to explore the island was made only in 1857, when the crew of the Amethyst landed on its territory. The sailors tried to get to the highest point of the island, but found that the rocks were almost impassable. But research continued: by the end of the century, Europeans studied representatives of the local flora and fauna, collecting extensive collections of biological samples and minerals. Studies of samples on the "mainland" showed that there was a lot of practically pure lime phosphate on the island. This discovery led to the annexation of the island by the British Crown on June 6, 1888.
Shortly thereafter, a small settlement was established. It was named Flying Fish Cove. This settlement still exists and is the main one on Christmas Island. Active mining of phosphates began in the 90s of the 19th century. The process involved numerous employees from Singapore, Malaysia and China, whose descendants now inhabit this piece of land.
Following the outbreak of World War II in Southeast Asia in December 1941, Christmas Island became a target for the Japanese military. The Japanese army occupied it after a short fight to gain access to the rich phosphate deposits. The British regained control of their territory only in October 1945. On October 1, 1958, Christmas Island was transferred by Great Britain under the jurisdiction of Australia. Since 1997, Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands have been collectively referred to as the Australian Indian Ocean Territories and are controlled by a governor from Christmas Island.
- Economy of Christmas Island
Phosphate mining was the only significant economic activity for many decades, but in December 1987 the Australian government closed the local mines. In 1991, the mines were reopened by a private consortium that included many former miners who acted as shareholders.
In order to somehow diversify the economy, local authorities, with the support of the Australian government, opened the Christmas Island Casino & Resort resort complex in 1993, the construction of which cost $ 34 million. This project was designed to stimulate the development of tourism. But in 1998, it was closed due to a decline in demand amid a serious economic crisis in Asia. In 2011, the resort was reopened, but without a casino, for which the Australian government did not issue a license.
Interestingly, in 2001, the Australian authorities agreed to support the creation of a commercial spaceport on Christmas Island. However, the implementation of this project is still in question.
In November 2015, there was also information about the possibility of mass production of medical marijuana in Christmas Island to meet the needs of the Australian healthcare system. According to experts, this project, which starts in early January 2016, will help renew the island's economy. The authorities of the "Green Continent" have chosen Christmas Island as a site for growing medical marijuana, based on the results of research by Murdoch University. These studies have shown that the island is an ideal place for the cultivation of such plants.
- Culture of Christmas Island
Culturally, Christmas Island is unique in many ways, as it is inhabited by people of many different nationalities. This is due to a combination of Chinese, European, Indian and Malay cultures. The main languages on Christmas Island are English and Chinese. Here it is customary to wear modest clothing and take off your shoes when entering the house, as well as avoid touching anyone's head.
Religions here are diverse, but people are very tolerant of each other's religious beliefs. As mentioned above, the locals profess Christianity and Buddhism. But there are also adherents of Taoism, Confucianism and Islam. There is a mosque on the island, which is located in the settlement of Flying Fish Cove. The abundance of religions is the reason why the islanders celebrate many religious festivals such as the Spring Festival, Hari Raya, Christmas and Easter.
- Geography, climate and nature of Christmas Island
The island has about 19 km. in length and 14.5 km. in width. The total length of its coastline is 139 km. The island is a flat part of an underwater mountain with a total height of more than 4.5 thousand meters. At the same time, the height of the mountain above sea level is only 300 meters. This mountain was originally a volcano, as evidenced by the abundance of basalt rocks (an igneous rock that forms as a result of a volcanic eruption). Much of the island's surface is occupied by limestone rocks accumulated during coral growth.
Along most of the coast, steep cliffs rise sharply, emerging on the central plateau. The height of the island's surface ranges from sea level to 361 meters (at its highest point called Murray Hill). The territory of the island is mainly occupied by tropical forests. At the same time, it is surrounded by a narrow coastal reef, which can be dangerous for sailors.
In terms of climate, Christmas Island can offer its residents and visitors very comfortable living conditions. The period of the highest temperature here, as a rule, falls on March and April (the thermometer column in these months keeps around the mark of 29 ° C), while the lowest temperatures in the context of the year occur in August (average 23 ° C). Between July and November, this region experiences dryness with occasional showers. The rainy season on Christmas Island starts in November and ends in May. At this time, monsoons, as well as tropical cyclones, often and randomly hit the island.
Until recently, the nature of Christmas Island has been preserved almost in its original form. Until the end of the 19th century, it was practically uninhabited, which allowed numerous species of animals and plants to develop without human intervention. The local flora is represented by dense tropical forests, dominated by 25 species of trees. Here you can also find ferns, orchids and creepers that grow on branches in a humid atmosphere. In total, 135 plant species can be seen on the island, at least 18 of which are found nowhere else. The local fauna is represented mainly by shrews, crabs and seabirds. Interestingly, every year red crabs arrange a mass migration here, in which about 100 million individuals take part. Arthropods move towards the water to continue the genus. This migration takes place in November - after the start of the rainy season and in accordance with the cycle of the moon. This phenomenon is considered one of the wonders of the natural world and attracts the attention of many tourists.
Why is Christmas Island interesting for foreigners?
Christmas Island is able to offer its guests a lot of interesting things in addition to the annual migration of red crabs. It is well known for its biodiversity. There are many rare species of animals and plants here, which makes this place extremely popular among naturalists-hikers. Along with the diversity of flora and fauna, there are many different caves here (on the plateau, on the coast in basalt rocks, and so on). Most of them are located near the sea and were formed by the action of water. In total, there are 42 caves on the island.
In the western part of the island there is a rainforest, divided by seven deep valleys, which were formed by water flows. Hugh Dale Falls is located in this region, which is a very popular attraction. There are also more hiking trails to choose from for visitors of all ages and fitness levels.
Fishing is another common recreational activity on Christmas Island. In the ocean surrounding it, there are many interesting species of fish that no one forbids catching. Moreover, fishing can be combined with scuba diving, which is extremely popular here due to the abundance of colorful coral reefs.
On the island, you can relax on one of the many deserted beaches. Dolly Beach, for example, offers white sand, peace and tranquility, as well as pristine coral reefs that are great for diving due to the abundance of marine life. In particular, divers can meet surgeon fish (Acanthurus chirurgus), lionfish (Pterois volitans), wrasse (Labridae), goby (Gobius), wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri) and sailfish (Istiophorus) here.
The main part of local residential and commercial buildings, as well as infrastructure facilities, is located on the territory of the settlement of Flying Fish Cove, which is adjacent to the airport (slightly to the south) and a fairly large seaport. The local bay is suitable for both swimming and diving. At the same time, divers and swimmers are advised to use special safety shoes to avoid cuts on coral reefs and possible infections.
While visiting the island, you can arrange a tour of it on a scooter. This is the best and most cost-effective way to get to know the local attractions. But if you go on such a tour, try to notify someone in case of an accident.
Golf lovers will also find something to do here. Christmas Island has a nine-hole course called Christmas Island Golf Course, which can be played for as little as $10. The golf course is about a five-minute drive from Flying Fish Cove. Next to it there is a miniature cave with a natural pool filled with sea and fresh water. This combination is perfectly refreshing on hot days, while the movement of the wave through the narrow holes in the rocks creates interesting sound effects.
There are practically no historical sights here. The only exception is a small naval base with rare artillery pieces that were installed in 1941 and used to defend the island during World War II.
There are also several restaurants on Christmas Island serving Western and Asian cuisine. These are Lucky Ho Restaurant, KooKai'z Cafe', Golden Bosun Tavern, Longs Bakery, Rockfall Cafe, Rumah Tinggi Tavern & Restaurant and Season's Palace. There you can enjoy steaks, pasta, pizzas, fresh salads, milkshakes and other soft drinks, as well as numerous dessert options. These establishments, for the most part, offer panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and are open all week. There are also bars that deserve special attention. Since alcohol is imported duty-free to Christmas Island, it usually costs less than on the Green Continent. The list of local bars and taverns is as follows: Tracks at Drumsite, Golden Bosun, Pool Hall at Poon Saan and Rumah Tinggi.
How to get to Christmas Island, and where can I stay?
Getting to Christmas Island is not so easy. It is located about 500 kilometers south of the island of Java (Indonesia) and 2.6 thousand kilometers north of Australia. However, the trip here is fully worth the time and effort. Moreover, experts advise going to Christmas Island during the dry season (from May to early December), during which the migration of red crabs begins annually.
So how exactly can you get here? There is a small airport on Christmas Island that accepts planes from different countries. Only a few airlines fly here, including Virgin Australia. Liners Virgin Australia fly here from the city of Perth on the "Green Continent" four times a week. A plane ticket will cost approximately $520 (one way). Sometimes charter flights from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Jakarta also land here. To get on one of the few boards, try to book tickets in advance. Practice shows that during the dry season, tickets for planes bound for Christmas Island are sold out very quickly.
You can get here relatively quickly by sea on a passenger ship from Indonesia.
or on a private yacht. In fact, Flying Fish Cove is often visited by both yachts and full-fledged cruise ships.
There are about 15 objects of individual and collective accommodation for tourists on the island. Most of them are great for solo travelers and couples alike, offering stunning ocean views and personalized service. Travelers can book accommodation online through the Christmas Island Tourism Association.
As for internal transport, there are also plenty to choose from. The small island has its own taxi depot. At one time, there was a full-fledged 18-kilometer railway here, which led from the port at Flying Fish Cove to the old phosphate mines. It was built back in 1914, but closed in December 1987, when the Australian government stopped the work of local mines. After that, the railway and all the supporting infrastructure were demonstrated and sent to the "mainland" as scrap metal.
The road network covers most of the island. Local highways are generally of good quality. At the same time, 4WD vehicles are recommended to access some of the more remote parts of the rainforest or isolated beaches, as these parts of the island are often accessed by rough dirt roads that are heavily washed out during the rainy season.
Did you like Christmas Island? We advise you to get a second Australian citizenship by investment
If the above information seemed interesting to you, know that you can become a full-fledged islander if you have the desire, time and money. Since Christmas Island is part of Australia, you can register here by obtaining citizenship of the "Green Continent". At the same time, one should not be afraid of the possibility of losing historical citizenship: Australian law allows dual citizenship - native and naturalized Australians are not prohibited from holding two or more passports.
Investing in the local economy will help you get a second Australian citizenship as soon as possible. To speed up naturalization, you will need to invest 5 million Australian dollars or more in the state's economy, using one of the methods approved by the government of the country or a combination of them. The first investment option involves the purchase of government bonds. The second is an investment in a local investment fund, the scope of which includes only capital investments in the business of companies operating on the Green Continent. The third investment option involves a direct investment in an Australian company through the buyout of a share in the authorized capital. All this allows you to obtain a permanent residence permit in Australia, after which you will have to live a few more years in the country and you can apply for full Australian citizenship.
To get a second passport and Australian citizenship , you will have to prepare for a special test that includes questions about local culture, the history of the country and its society. Having received the coveted Australian passport, a foreigner acquires the right not only to live indefinitely on Christmas Island, but also to cross the borders of 17 dozen countries without opening visas and other formalities. The list of such countries includes, among other things, all the states of North America, the entire European Union, as well as most of the Central American states.
And one more interesting fact regarding Australian passports and their transformation in the digital age. This autumn, the government of the country, acting in full accordance with the spirit of the time, began to study the possibility transition to cloud passports . In other words, passport data and relevant biometric information will be stored on remote servers in government data centers. According to the authors of the project, the ability to transfer data in the blink of an eye from one end of the planet to the other using digital technologies will make physical passports a relic of the past. Replacing morally and physically obsolete documents with cloud counterparts will allow officials and citizens to forget about the problems associated with the loss and theft of passports. Cloud technologies will help improve the safety of citizens in transport, as well as significantly speed up the passage of customs control.
Tags:
Subscribe to our telegram channel and tell your friends in business about it.
Every year, the inhabitants of Christmas Island experience a real "invasion" of crabs. This is one of the largest animal migrations in the world. Once a year, during the rainy season, tens of millions of crabs literally cover the island with a red carpet.
16 PHOTOS
1. Christmas Island is a small, mountainous island in the Indian Ocean, which is a dependent territory of Australia. (Photo: Diane Masters|Christmas Island Tourism Association). 
2. Once a year, mating of red crabs makes life difficult for the inhabitants of this island. (Photo: Ingo Arndt|Christmas Island Tourism Association). 
3. Crabs migrate to the ocean to breed. Males are the first to go to the coast, where they dig minks in which mating will take place. (Photo: Christmas Island Tourism Association). 
4. Then the females join the males, which lay eggs for 3 days and remain there for about 12 more days. Unlike them, males, having done their job, quickly leave, since their role in such an important matter is considered fulfilled. One female crab can lay up to 100,000 eggs. (Photo: Max Orchard | Christmas Island Tourism Association). 
5. In order not to disturb the crabs, during the migration the streets are buried for passage and special warning signs are placed everywhere. And in order to make it easier for the crustaceans to travel, tunnels and bridges are even built on the island. These measures are forced, otherwise, in "cutting through" the road between moving crabs, one would have to rely solely on Spyderco knives. (Photo: Tracy Wilson | Christmas Island Tourism Association). 
6. Crabs from Christmas Island are quite large, the width of an adult can reach about twenty centimeters. (Photo: Justin Gilligan | Christmas Island Tourism Association). 
7. Crabs feed mainly on leaves, fruits, seeds, snails and leftovers thrown by humans. (Photo: Linda Cash | Christmas Island Tourism Association). 
8. Two-thirds of Christmas Island is a national park, and migratory crabs are under strict protection. Such crabs live only on the Cocos Islands. (Photo: Chris Surman | Christmas Island Tourism Association). 
9. In recent years, the population of crabs has been greatly reduced due to the attacks on them by a huge number of rabid Resberry ants. (Photo: Christmas Island Tourism Association). 
10. Crab migration occurs at different times from October to January, but most often from November to December. And it is also associated with the phases of the moon and the tides. If the rainy season continues for a long time, then after the first migration there may come a second and even a third migration of those crabs that did not participate in the first. The density of crabs on the island is very high, so there is a struggle between them for territory. (Photo: Justin Gilligan | Christmas Island Tourism Association). 
11. Small crabs hatch immediately after contact with water. They develop for about a month in ocean waves until they grow large enough to get out of the water and head towards the mainland. After four years, they will return to the coast to participate in the breeding process. (Photo: Justin Gilligan | Christmas Island Tourism Association). 
12. A large migration towards the ocean lasts about a week, and the return may take several weeks. Crabs are very fond of moisture, so if the rain stops, they stop and stay in that place until the rain starts again. (Photo: Justin Gilligan | Christmas Island Tourism Association). 
13. Migration and mating occur early in the morning or in the evening. (Photo: Alex Cearns | Christmas Island Tourism Association). 
14. And, although the migration of crabs somewhat complicates the daily life of the inhabitants of the city, they are already used to the fact that once a year their island is dominated by red crustaceans. (Photo: Ingo Arndt | Christmas Island Tourism Association). 
15. The great crab migration is one of the main tourist attractions of the island, attracting thousands of tourists every year. It seems that the crabs are also very happy with this, and are happy to pose for tourists. (Photo: Christmas Island Tourism Association). 
16. More information about Christmas Island can be found on the official website - christmas.net.au. (Photo: Justin Gilligan | Christmas Island Tourism Association).
Christmas Island is the flat top of a huge underwater volcano. Behind the outer reef strip, which is within 200 meters from the coast, there are no longer coastal shallows, the bottom goes very sharply to a depth of approximately 5000 meters.
Christmas Island is a possession in the eastern part of the Indian Ocean.
One Hundred Years of "Phosphate" Prosperity
Phosphates have been mined on the island for a hundred years. It seemed that the deposits were inexhaustible, but... Now, if they remember these times, it is only with sadness for the lost.
Christmas Island is the top of an underwater mountain in the Indian Ocean with rocky sheer shores up to 20 m high, a strip of razor-sharp reefs along the entire coast. Fresh water sources are several springs and underground streams.
In 1643, the island was discovered by William Minors, the captain of the English ship Royal Mary, who explored the eastern part of the Indian Ocean on behalf of the British East India Company. Since this event took place on Christmas Day, the captain did not have to think long about the name for this piece of land in the ocean.
Exploration of the island was hampered by an almost impenetrable reef strip, and only in 1887, the British captain John McPear on the ship Flying Fish (Flying Fish) found a convenient bay, which he named after his own ship: Flying Fish Cove. A year later, an English expedition visited here, collecting a collection of local minerals, among which there was a copy of the purest phosphate. In 1888, she hastened to declare Christmas Island her property.
Before the outbreak of World War II, the development of phosphates on the island was carried out by the British colonial administration, which brought Chinese workers here. When the war began, the Japanese immediately occupied the island, whose phosphate deposits were a strategic raw material. But the Japanese failed to overcome the sabotage of the workers and fix the mining equipment, and the development of phosphates practically froze until the Japanese were expelled from the island.
In 1958, at the request of Australia, the island was transferred under its jurisdiction and received a special status of "outer territory" as an off-continental land.
last hope
Many Southeast Asian migrants risk their lives to get to Christmas Island.
The vegetation of the island is tropical rain forests, mainly in the Christmas Island National Park, which occupies 63% of its total area. The forests suffered a lot during the period of phosphate mining, but now their area is slowly recovering. But tourism is flourishing on the island, because by the will of fate it turned out to be just on the main routes for luxury ocean liners.
The descendants of Chinese and Malay workers live on the island, there has never been an indigenous population, and the current one is steadily declining: due to the depletion of phosphorite reserves, people lose their jobs and leave for Australia. The people here live together: they celebrate the Chinese New Year, Christian Christmas and Muslim Eid al-Fitr together.
After the Australian government became convinced that industrial phosphate reserves were depleted, in 1987 the mines were closed. Local workers protested, set up their own phosphate mining company, and mining has continued since 1991, although the reserves are nearly depleted.
The biggest problem of the island was illegal migration from the countries of Southeast Asia (mainly from). On fragile boats, refugees reached the island and immediately demanded refugee status. After several incidents where hundreds of people died on the reefs from crashed ships, Australia immediately excluded Christmas Island from the Australian migration zone, and now the refugees cannot claim the right to remain in Australia. Also, several immigration quarantine camps have appeared on the island, which have become a headache for the authorities and residents of the island: refugees constantly violate local laws. Nevertheless, the construction and maintenance of camps has become one of the branches of the island economy.
Attractions of Christmas Island
Natural:
■ Christmas Island National Park.
■ Caves Lost Lake, Daniel Roy, Ray Bishop and Full Speed.
■ Ramsar Creek.
■ Valley rainforest.
■ Hugh Dale Falls.
■ Lily, Ethel, Greta, Dolly, Winifred, West White and Martin Point beaches.
Others:
■ Former South Point mining community.
■ Despite the fact that the island was included in the English and Dutch navigation guides, it appeared on the map for the first time only in 1666, in the publication of the famous hereditary Dutch cartographer Peter Hus.
■ From 1890 to 1910, phosphate mining on Christmas Island was led by engineer John Davis Murray. For his tough temper and illegibility in the methods of managing hired workers, Murray earned the nickname King of Christmas Island: everyone on the island was afraid of his heavy hand.
■ The official symbol of Christmas Island, featured on the island's flag, is the white-tailed phaeton, whose favorite prey is the cuttlefish.
■ During the red crab migration season, roads on the island are closed and warnings are posted: “Road closed. Red crab migration. No traffic beyond this sign."
General information
Location: East Indian Ocean, northwest of Australia.
Administrative affiliation: external territory of Australia.
Capital: Flying Fish Cove — 1020 people (2014).
Languages: English (official), Chinese, Malay, Bahas (Indonesian dialect).
Ethnic composition: Chinese - 70%, Europeans - 20%, Malays - 10% (2001).
Religions: Buddhism - 36%, Islam - 25%, Christianity - 18%, other - 21% (1997).
Monetary unit: Australian dollar.
Nearest airport: Flying Fish Cove International Airport.
Numbers
Area: 135 km2.
Population: 1530 people (2014).
Coastline length: 138.9 km.
Maximum length: 19 km.
Maximum width: 14.5 km.
highest point: Moray Hill (361 m)
The total height of the seamount: 4500 m.
Distance: 360 km south of Jakarta (Indonesia), 2600 km northwest of Perth (Australia).
Economy
Minerals: phosphates (almost exhausted).
Sea port.
Sea fishing.
Maintenance of quarantine camps. Service sector: tourism, transport, trade.
Some countries of our planet include territories that are actually outside the borders of the state. A striking example is Reunion Island, which is an overseas department of France, and located 9400 km from Paris. So Australia is not only a mainland and a separate country. The state also includes a small island off its coast. This is Christmas Island. It is located in the eastern Indian Ocean and is an Australian external territory.
Christmas Island on the map
- Geographic coordinates (-10.487955, 105.637330)
- Distance from the Australian capital Canberra is approximately 5200 km in a straight line
- The nearest airport is located directly on the island in its northeastern part. It's called Christmas Island Airport.
- To the coast of the island of Java 350 km
- About 1600 km to the coast of Australia
The island is of volcanic origin and is actually the top of an ancient volcano. The coastal shoal is located at a distance of 200 meters to 5 kilometers from the coast, further the depth increases sharply up to 5 km.
There is not a soul around for hundreds of kilometers. Christmas Island is one of the most secluded places on earth.
Christmas Island in numbers
- Quite a curved coastline with a total length of about 139 km
- The size of the island is approximately 18 by 17.5 km
- Area - 135 km 2
- The highest point of the island lies at an altitude of 361 meters above sea level.
The capital is the town of Flying Fish Cove in the northern part of the island with a population of about 1,500 people (just over 2,000 people live on the island). It is noteworthy that there are only about 600 Australian citizens. The main population is Chinese. There are almost 65% of them here. 20% - representatives of European races, 10% Malays and 5% Indians and representatives of other nationalities. The religious composition is also quite diverse and is mainly represented by Buddhism, Christianity and Islam. Despite the fact that people on the island of different faiths, they live very friendly. Together they celebrate all the holidays and Christian Christmas, and the Chinese New Year, and the Muslim Eid al-Fitr. The main languages spoken are Chinese, Malay and English.
Climate of Christmas Island
The climate of the island is pronounced tropical, with classic dry and wet seasons. Humidity is high, about 80-90%. The average annual temperature is about 27 o C. Moreover, the differences between the seasons are minimal. The difference is only in the amount of precipitation. In winter, during the rainy season, about 300 mm of precipitation falls here, while in summer this figure drops to 40-45 mm per month. The total level of precipitation per year exceeds 2100 mm.
The island got its name due to the fact that it was discovered in 1643 on Christmas Day. The first European to set foot on the island in 1688 was William Dampier, a British navigator. Since 1900, the island was part of the British colony, but was occupied by Japan during the Second World War. Since 1958, it has been given to Australia and is under the control of the Australian government.
In 1888, deposits of calcium pyrophosphate were found on the island. Since 1895, active mining began, and a permanent population appeared. But in 1987, the deposits were depleted, and phosphate mining was stopped. Now the main part of the income of the island is income from the tourism business. Many cruise routes pass through Christmas Island.
The island is rich in flora and fauna. Dense rainforests with ferns, vines and orchids cover most of the island. 18 plant species are endemic. Flying foxes, bats, many birds and several types of crabs inhabit the island.
Crab migration on Christmas Island
The most interesting feature of this lost in the ocean, place is the annual seasonal migration of millions of red crabs.
Adults of this species of crab have no natural enemies on the island (but the yellow crazy ant can attack the young), so the population has grown to an incredible size. Most of the time, red crabs live in forests and on the coast, but every year around November, natural instincts drive millions of individuals into coastal waters in order to lay their eggs and continue their race. Scientists estimate that up to 100 million crabs migrate through Christmas Island each season. This phenomenon is recognized as one of the wonders of the world. Crab migration is given increased attention, both by tourists and by the authorities. Tourists are extremely interested in seeing this unique natural phenomenon, and it is very important for the authorities to protect migratory crabs during the breeding season. To do this, they even block roads and install special signs warning of migration. In some places, special crossings have been built for crabs, strikingly similar to traditional elevated pedestrian crossings.
The density of the population of crabs on the island is many times greater than the density of the human population. It is estimated that, on average, 3-5 crabs per 10 m 2 live on Christmas Island.
In addition to this natural phenomenon, travelers will enjoy beautiful beaches and a rich natural world. There are a lot of fish in the coastal waters, you can spend time fishing.
Christmas Island video
