Norfolk Island: Beautiful Australian Overseas Territory in the South Pacific
In 1774 Captain James Cook discovered the Norfolk Island, later on Great Britain took over this Island to exploit its vast coir plantations for its navy, however the British turned it into a prison island when the coir idea failed to work out. Norfolk Island was taken over by Tasmania in 1844 and by New South Wales in 1896 before being finally handed over to the Commonwealth of Australia in 1913. The island is governed under the Norfolk Island Act of 1979. An administrator, appointed by the governor-general of Australia, heads the government. Limited self-rule was granted to Norfolk Island in 1979.
Norfolk Island Profile: Overview of Facts and Figures:
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· National Name: Norfolk Island
· Capital: Kingston
· Total area: 34.6 km2
· Population: 2,128 (July 2008 est.)
· Currency: Australian dollar
· Languages: English (official), Norfolk - a mixture of 18th century English and ancient Tahitian
· Ethnicity/ Races: descendants of the Bounty mutineers, Australian, New Zealander, Polynesian
· Religion: Anglican 31.8%, Roman Catholic 11.5%, Uniting Church in Australia 10.6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3.2%, other Christian 5.6%, none 19.9%, unspecified 16.6% (2006 census)
· GDP (Per Capita): NA
· Life Expectancy: NA
· Literacy Rate: NA
Geographical Information on Norfolk Island:
Norfolk Island is located in the South Pacific Ocean, east of the Australian mainland. Norfolk Island is the main island of the island group and is located at 29°02′S 167°57′E / 29.033°S 167.95°E.
The climate of Norfolk Island is subtropical and mild, with little seasonal variation.
Culture, Cuisine and Tradition of Norfolk Island:
There was no indigenous culture of Norfolk Island during its settlement. The arrival of the Pitcairn people provided a fresh dimension to Norfolk Island. They have maintained and cultivated their distinctive culture and language, and preserved the rich history and natural magnificence of the Island. The Tahitian influence of the Pitcairn settlers has resulted in some aspects of Polynesian culture being adapted to that of Norfolk. When the descendants of the Bounty mutineers sailed from Pitcairn Island to settle on Norfolk Island it added variety to Norfolk culture.
Some of the tasty Norfolk Island foods include Pilihai, Hihi Pie and Mudda. Hihi Pie, which is one of the favorite delicacies of the islanders, is basically a tart made of shellfish. Mudda and Pilihai are popular banana recipes
Tourist Attractions of Norfolk Island:
The Norfolk Island promotes the concept of Eco-Tourism because of its blessed natural landscapes and geographical location besides the sea. The azure blue sea of Norfolk Island entices tourists to explore the undersea beauty. The water sports of Norfolk Island remain the most admired activities for people who come to these heavenly islands.
Major Sight-seeing Places in Norfolk Island include:
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· The Mount Pitt
· Cook's Monument
· Philip Islands
· Bird rock
· Palm Glen
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