The Territory of Christmas Island is an Australian external territory in the Indian Ocean comprising the island of the same name. It is located approximately south of Java and Sumatra and about north-west of the closest point on the Australian mainland. With an area of ,Shire of Christmas Island Christmas Island's geographic isolation and history of minimal human disturbance has led to a high level of endemism among its flora and fauna, which is of interest to scientists and naturalists. The territory derives its name from its discovery on Christmas Day 1643 by Captain William Mynors.
The Territory of Christmas Island is an Australian external territory in the Indian Ocean comprising the island of the same name. It is located approximately south of, Java and Sumatra and about north-west of the closest point on the Australian mainland. With an area of Shire of Christmas Island Christmas Island's geographic isolation and history of minimal human disturbance has led to a high level of endemism among its flora and fauna, which is of interest to scientists and naturalists. The territory derives its name from its discovery on Christmas Day 1643 by Captain William Mynors.