Christmas Island
Google plans to build a large artificial intelligence data centre on Australia's remote Indian Ocean outpost of Christmas Island after signing a cloud deal with the Department of Defence earlier this year.
About Christmas Island
Christmas Island is an Australian external territory in the Indian Ocean renowned for its unique wildlife, particularly the spectacular annual migration of millions of red crabs. The island is a remote natural wonder, often nicknamed the "Galapagos of the Indian Ocean", with a rich multicultural community.
Geography and Nature
Christmas Island is the summit of a steep underwater mountain, with a rugged coastline of sharp cliffs and a central plateau covered in dense tropical rainforest. The island's isolation has led to a high level of endemism among its flora and fauna.
- National Park: Approximately 63% of the island is protected within the Christmas Island National Park, safeguarding crucial habitats for numerous rare species.
- Wildlife: Besides the estimated 100 million red crabs, the island is home to the world's largest population of coconut crabs (robber crabs) and serves as the only nesting place in the world for the endangered Abbott's booby and critically endangered Christmas Island frigatebird.
- Marine Life: The island is surrounded by pristine coral reefs that plunge into deep ocean waters, offering excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities with over 60 dive sites and a new large marine park protecting the surrounding waters.
History and Culture
Named on Christmas Day in 1643 by Captain William Mynors, the island was annexed by Britain in 1888 due to its valuable phosphate deposits. Phosphate mining was the primary economic activity for many years, drawing indentured laborers from Singapore, China, and Malaysia, which formed the basis of the island's unique multicultural community.
Today, the population of around 1,700 residents (as of 2021) is a harmonious mix of Chinese, Malay, and European Australians, celebrating diverse cultural and religious festivals such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, and Christmas. The primary settlement and capital is Flying Fish Cove (also known as "The Settlement").
Economy and Governance
Christmas Island is an external territory of Australia, administered by an Administrator appointed by the Governor-General. The Australian government provides services, and residents who are Australian citizens vote in federal elections (represented by the Northern Territory electorate). The economy has historically relied on phosphate mining, but a recent focus has been on economic diversification, with a strong emphasis on ecotourism and, potentially, new ventures like the proposed Google AI data center.
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