The Cocos Islands are an autonomous group of islands in the Indian Ocean and Australian outlying territory. It consists of two atolls with a total of 27 coral islands, of which only two are inhabited. The islands were discovered in 1609 by British sea captain William Keeling and later used as a copra plantation by John Clunies-Ross, a Scottish merchant. In 1955 they were granted to Australia. The islands are known for their white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.
Country data Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Cocos (Keeling) Islands at a glance
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Population | 600 |
Language | English und Cocos Malay |
Area | 14 km2 |
Currency | Australian Dollar (AUD) |
Map Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Country borders and location of the capital