Christmas Island - Government
Based on the etymolgy of Christmas Island, it was named by English Captain William MYNORS for the day of its rediscovery, Christmas Day (25 December 1643); the island had been sighted by Europeans as early as 1615. The Government system in this country is the non-self-governing overseas territory of Australia type and the different Administrative divisions includes: none (territory of Australia)
National symbols

Golden bosun bird.

The flag
The National flag of Christmas Island has territorial flag; divided diagonally from upper hoist to lower fly; the upper triangle is green with a yellow image of the Golden Bosun Bird superimposed; the lower triangle is blue with the Southern Cross constellation, representing Australia, superimposed; a centered yellow disk displays a green map of the island.
The National Anthem
Title
Lyric/music
More about the government of Christmas Island
Date of Independence none (territory of Australia)
National holiday Australia Day (commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet of Australian settlers), 26 January (1788)
Legal system legal system is under the authority of the governor general of Australia and Australian law
International law organization participation
Constitution
History 1 October 1958 (Christmas Island Act 1958)
Amendments Amended many times, last in 2020
Citizenship
Executive Branch
Chief of state King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia General David HURLEY (since 1 July 2019)
Head of government Administrator Ms. Farzian ZAINAL (since 11 May 2023)
Cabinet NA
Elections/appointments the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the Australian prime minister; administrator appointed by the governor-general of Australia for a 2-year term and represents the monarch and Australia
Legislative branch
Description Unicameral Christmas Island Shire Council (9 seats; members directly elected by simple majority vote to serve 4-year terms)
Elections Held every 2 years with half the members standing for election; last held in October 2023 (next to be held in October 2025)
Election results Percent of vote - NA; seats by party - independent 9; composition as of January 2024 - men 8, women 1, percentage women 13%
Judicial branch
Highest court(s) Under the terms of the Territorial Law Reform Act 1992, Western Australia provides court services as needed for the island, including the Supreme Court and subordinate courts (District Court, Magistrate Court, Family Court, Children's Court, and Coroners' Court)
Diplomatic representation in the US
Diplomatic representation from the US
Embassy None (territory of Australia)
Key Political parties and their leaders in Christmas Island
    • International organization participation
  • none
    • All Important Facts about Christmas Island

    Want to know more about Christmas Island? Check all different factbooks for Christmas Island below.

    Christmas Island is found in Australia and New Zealand