Cocos Islands (Keeling)

Cocos Islands (Kiling), possession of Australia in Indian ocean, in 2768  km to the northwest from the Australian city of Perth. A total area of Cocos Islands - 14,2  sq. km. The largest islands - West and Houm. In 1992 on islands lived nearby 600  the person, by origin Malayans. Almost all of them have citizenship of Australia. The official language of islands - English, is passed round also Malayan tongue. The majority of the population - Moslems-sunnity. An administrative centre is the settlement on island West.

Imperious authorities on Cocos Islands belong to the manager quoted from Australia. Local government questions Advice of islands knows.

Islands have been open in 1609 the English captain U. Kilingom. Since 1826-1827 Cocos Islands began to invade Malayans. the Great Britain annexed islands in 1857. Almost in hundred years in 1955 Cocos Islands have passed in possession Australia . On a referendum of 1984 inhabitants of islands have supported formal apposition to Australia. This rule has been confirmed by the solution of General assembly of the United Nations.

Islanders are engaged in coconut palm cultivation, effecting and copra export. Communication with Australia is supplied with the airport on island West.