Cocos (Keeling) Islands

 

Located in the Indian Ocean (27 small coral islands). Territory - 14.3 sq. km. Population - about 400 (1978), mostly Malays. The administrative center is located on the West Island. The official language is English. Discovered by the English captain Keeling in 1609. Annexed by Great Britain in 1857, and in 1878 transferred under the control of the governor of Sri Lanka (Ceylon). In 1903 included in the colony of Singapore. In November 1955, they were transferred under the control of Australia. On the largest of the islands - the West - there is an airport (serving the route Australia - South Africa) and most of the population lives. The main occupation of the population is airport maintenance, coconut cultivation and copra production.