We are sure that you have heard about Easter Island, but did you know that far away, in the Indian Ocean there is a small land called Christmas Island? These are some of the greatest facts about this little country.
- Christmas Island is an Australian territory but it is located in the Indian Ocean, meaning it’s technically in Asia.
- A long time ago, about 60 million years ago, Christmas Island was a huge water volcano which rose from the water.
- It was discovered in 1615, however, it wasn’t named until 28 years later, on Christmas Day in 1643.
- Although this little country bears the name after Christmas, there is no snow seen. The climate is tropical with a dry season from May to November.
- The capital and the largest city is called “Flying Fish Cove” and it was named after a British survey-ship called “Flying-Fish”.
- Third of the population lives in the capital.
- Although it is a small island, with only 135 square kilometers, more than 45 million red crabs can be found across Christmas Island each year.
- Christmas Island is also the home to the world’s biggest crab in the world called the “coconut crab” which can measure up to 1 meter-long and weight more than 4 kilograms.
