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Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Everything you need to know about Cocos (Keeling) Islands: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more

Cocos (Keeling) Islands: Australian Overseas Territory in Indian

The Keeling or the Cocos Islands are a group of 27 islands and 2 atolls in the Indian Ocean and part of Australian territory. The islands were discovered in 1609 by Captain William Keeling and named after him. It was only in the 19th century when slaves were brought from Indonesia and Cape of Good Hope that these islands first became inhabited. The sparsely populated Coco Islands offers the perfect foil for surfing and scuba diving to the tourist who might want to experience its pristine beauty.

Facts and Stats of Cocos (Keeling) Islands:

    · National Name: Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands
    · Capital: West Island
    · Total area: 14 sq km
    · Population: 596 (July 2007 est.)
    · Currency: Australian dollar (AUD)
    · Languages: Malay (Cocos dialect), English
    · Ethnicity/ Races: Europeans, Cocos Malays
    · Religion: Sunni Muslim 80%, other 20% (2002 est.)
    · GDP (Per Capita): NA
    · Life Expectancy: NA
    · Literacy: NA

Geoghraphy and Climate of Coco Islands:
The Keeling or Cocos Islands consist of two flat atolls that have highest elevation of just 5 metres above sea level. The North Keeling Island atoll is a C-shaped island that measures just 1.1 sq.kms and is uninhabited whereas the South Keeling Islands atoll consists of 26 islets with total area of 13.1 sq. kms. The whole population of just 596 people is concentrated on this atoll. West Island is the capital of Cocos Islands and Bantam is the largest village settlement.

The Keeling Islands enjoys a peasant climate that is moderated by the southeast trade winds and receives moderate rainfall.

Economy and Government of Cocos (Keeling) Islands:
Coconut Plantation and Copra are the two major crops of Keeling Islands and fresh Coconuts are the major export on which the livelihood of the majority depends. Fishing supplements the economy. However, nearly all food items have to be imported from Australia by the islands.

The Coco Islands Governance depends heavily on Australian laws, particularly the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act of 1955. Neil Lucas is the current administrator of the Cocos Islands and also the administrator of the Christmas Island.

Tourist Attractions in Cocos (Keeling) Islands:
The Keeling Islands off the Australian Coasts are not to be confused with the Cocos Islands of Guam, which are many miles apart. But the Keeling Islands offer the same range of breathtaking scenery and bountiful beaches to the tourists.

The North Keeling Island forms the Pulu Keeling National Park, which is home to the only surviving and endangered Cocos Buff-banded Rail. The Cocos Islands offers excellent Scuba diving, fishing and surfing opportunities as well.

Jennifer Aniston to be Brangelina's new neighbours

May 1, 2012 at 12:50 PM

London, May 1 (ANI): Jennifer Aniston is looking for pads in Richmond, a suburb outside of London, where ex husband Brad Pitt and his fiancee Angelina Jolie rented last year and plan to spend much of the next two years.

India establishes naval base in Lakshadweep

April 30, 2012 at 6:18 PM

New Delhi, April 30 (IANS) India Monday took a major step towards strengthening of the security of its island territories, an issue that has acquired urgency in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai terror strikes, by commissioning a full-fledged naval base in the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea.

UAE elected to UN Women's executive board

April 27, 2012 at 10:50 PM

New York, April 27 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been elected to the executive board of the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women or UN Women for a three-year term.

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Maharashtra, Andamans, keen to follow Goa's lifeguard force

April 27, 2012 at 12:18 PM

Panaji, April 27 (IANS) Goa's unique beach management and lifeguard services innovation has spurred other state governments in India to emulate the example, an official said here Friday.

No damage caused by earthquake in A and N Islands: Home ministry

April 25, 2012 at 9:59 PM

New Delhi, Apr 25 (ANI): The Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday informed that no damage has occurred in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands which experienced moderate intensity tremors earlier today.

Brit man who bagged 'best job ever' calls his work 'busiest in the world'

April 25, 2012 at 3:13 PM

Melbourne, Apr 25 (ANI): Ben Southall, who was hired by Queensland Tourism for the "best job ever", has revealed that it was more than he anticipated.

Moderate quake jolts Nicobar Islands

April 25, 2012 at 2:41 PM

New Delhi, April 25 (IANS) A moderate earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale jolted the Nicobar islands Wednesday afternoon, an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official here said.

Ex-Oz PM Fraser says US military 'base' in Darwin is 'mistake'

April 24, 2012 at 5:40 PM

Sydney, Apr 24 (ANI): Former Australian prime minister Malcolm Fraser has said that the new American marine 'base' near Darwin is a mistake, and added that his nation's grovelling to the US is affecting relations with Asia.

Spirit Airlines apologises and pulls Secret Service sex scandal spoof ad

April 22, 2012 at 12:45 PM

Wellington, April 22 (ANI): Responding to the request of Colombian government, Spirit Airlines has issued an apology and pulled a "More Bang For Your Buck" ad spoofing the Secret Service prostitution scandal, according to NBC Miami.

Brangelina and brood jet off to Galapagos Islands to celebrate engagement

April 19, 2012 at 2:53 PM

London, Apr 19 (ANI): Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and their brood are said to be enjoying a break in the exotic location of Galapagos Islands to celebrate the couple's engagement.

Ex-Faroe Islands' goalkeeper swapped shirts with Muamba and Morosini

April 18, 2012 at 5:25 PM

London, Apr 18(ANI): Ex-Faroe Islands goalkeeper Poul Dam had swapped shirts with heart victims Fabrice Muamba and tragic Piermario Morosini in the only two internationals he played in.

China objects to Japan's decision of buying islands in Chinese territory

April 18, 2012 at 5:25 PM

Beijing, Apr 18 (ANI): China has raised objections to Tokyo's sudden announcement of plans to buy parts of the Diaoyu Islands, and claimed the island has China's 'undisputable sovereignty'.

Chavez not to attend Americas summit

April 15, 2012 at 7:47 AM

Bogota, April 15 (IANS) Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who is battling cancer, will not attend the Sixth Summit of the Americas as advised by his doctors, said the country's foreign minister Saturday.

Ahmadinejad's visit to disputed island irks Lebanon

April 15, 2012 at 7:47 AM

Beirut, April 15 (IANS) Lebanon has criticised the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit to the disputed island of Abu Musa.

West Indies call up Shillingford for Trinidad Test

April 13, 2012 at 4:27 PM

Port of Spain (Trinidad), April 13 (IANS/CMC) Windward Islands off-spinner Shane Shillingford has been called up for the second Test against Australia, starting here Sunday, on the heels of a disappointing performance by leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo in the Kensington Oval opener which West Indies lost by three wickets.

Odisha CM Patnaik chairs high-level meeting on tsunami alert

April 11, 2012 at 9:23 PM

Bhubaneswar, Apr 11 (ANI): Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik chaired a high-level meeting here on Wednesday to ensure that systems are in place in case of any earthquake or tsunami warnings.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Chief Secretary plays down tsunami fears

April 11, 2012 at 7:47 PM

Port Blair, Apr 11 (ANI): With the Indonesian quake triggering tsunami fears across the Indian Ocean nations, including India, Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shakti Sinha, on Wednesday said there is no need to panic.

India prepares for tsunami threat

April 11, 2012 at 7:47 PM

New Delhi, Apr 11 (ANI): Union Home Secretary R.K. Singh on Wednesday said he has spoken to all the Chief Secretaries of the coastal states including Andaman and Nicobar Islands following the 8.5 magnitude earthquake, which struck the western coast of Indonesia.

NDMA rules out tsunami threat to India

April 11, 2012 at 5:47 PM

New Delhi, April 11 (IANS) The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) here Wednesday appealed to people, particularly near coastal areas to not panic as there was no tsunami threat to India, after the massive earthquake in Indonesia.

India sounds tsunami warning after Indonesian quake

April 11, 2012 at 5:23 PM

New Delhi, April 11 (IANS) India Wednesday asked states along its east coast to be on high alert amid tsunami fears following a massive earthquake in Indonesia.

Earthquake hits Indonesia, tremors also felt in India

April 11, 2012 at 3:47 PM

Jakarta, Apr 11 (ANI): A massive earthquake has hit the West Coast of Sumatra, at a magnitude of 8.7 on the Richter scale.

Earthquake of 8.9 magnitude hits Indonesia

April 11, 2012 at 3:15 PM

An earthquake of 8.9 magnitudes has hit Indonesia. After which Indonesia has issued a tsunami warning. Besides Indonesia, tremors were also felt in 28 countries.

Pippa and ex-flame Earl Percy fuel reunion rumours on family ski holiday

April 9, 2012 at 3:47 PM

London, Apr 9 (ANI): Pippa Middleton, who had taken to the snowy hills of Western Sweden just last month for a charity cross country ski event, did not need a second invitation to get back on the slopes when she joined her family in more relaxing circumstances on holiday.

Indian, US navies to conduct joint exercise

April 6, 2012 at 7:22 PM

Washington, April 6 (IANS) Indian and the US navies will conduct a joint training drill, "Exercise Malabar 2012", April 9-16 in the Bay of Bengal and west of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

China to send tourists to Xisha Islands

April 5, 2012 at 2:24 PM

Beijing, April 5 (IANS) China is going to open its Xisha Islands to tourists in a bid to reassert its sovereignty over a scattering of islands and reefs in the South China Sea.

Hollywood director Cameron endorses 'Luv U Mate' author's views on Mariana Trench

April 3, 2012 at 4:16 PM

New Delhi, Apr.3 (ANI): Hollywood director James Cameron of "Titanic" and "Avatar" after diving in the Mariana Trench or Marianas Trench, which is the deepest part of the world's oceans, and located in the western Pacific Ocean, supports views on the technical details related to the trench, oceanic life and the need to save environment as well as mother Earth, as conveyed in the book "Luv U Mate" by Indian author Dr Punit Sethi.

Effigy of Prince William burnt on Falklands War anniversary

April 3, 2012 at 1:12 PM

Buenos Aires (Argentina), Apr.3 (ANI): Argentinian leftists protesting near the British Embassy in Buenos Aires burnt an effigy of Britain's Prince William, who recently participated in naval exercises near the islands.

China to reinforce territorial claims

March 27, 2012 at 4:32 PM

Beijing, March 27 (IANS) China may step up its exploration of the South China Sea to reinforce its territorial claims.

BJP condemns abduction of Orissa MLA, calls on govt. to wage war against Maoists

March 24, 2012 at 4:48 PM

New Delhi, Mar.24 (ANI): Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Balbir Punj condemned the abduction of an Orissa MLA by Maoists, and called on the federal government to wage a full-fledged war against the rebels.

US men held after open sex on gay cruise

March 23, 2012 at 10:00 PM

London, March 23 (IANS) Two US men have pleaded guilty to indecent exposure in Dominica after they were arrested during a stop on a gay cruise of the Caribbean.

Prince William back home to Kate after completing Falklands tour of duty

March 22, 2012 at 8:43 PM

London, Mar 22 (ANI): Prince William had an emotional reunion with his wife Kate after flying back into the UK following his six weeks stint in the Falklands.

Prince William back home to Kate after completing Falklands tour of duty

March 22, 2012 at 2:16 PM

London, Mar 22 (ANI): Prince William had an emotional reunion with his wife Kate after flying back into the UK following his six weeks stint in the Falklands.

Danielle Lloyd thinks 'little breasts are perfect'

March 21, 2012 at 3:01 PM

London, Mar 21 (ANI): Danielle Lloyd, who has had her implants removed recently, has said that although putting a bikini for the first time after surgery was really "upsetting" she doesn't want big breasts again.

'Falkland Islands 'were on verge of being shared by Britain, Argentina in 1974 deal'

March 14, 2012 at 9:32 PM

London, Mar 14(ANI): Britain was on the verge of sharing the Falkland Islands with Argentina almost 40 years ago, with islanders having joint nationality, it has been claimed.

'Falkland Islands 'were on verge of being shared by Britain, Argentina in 1974 deal'

March 14, 2012 at 5:16 PM

London, Mar 14(ANI): Britain was on the verge of sharing the Falkland Islands with Argentina almost 40 years ago, with islanders having joint nationality, it has been claimed.

Obama upgrades 'special relationship' for White House welcome to David, Samantha Cameron

March 11, 2012 at 6:42 PM

Washington, Mar 11(ANI): US President Barack Obama is set to warmly welcome UK Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha on an official visit with a state dinner" at the White House this week after describing the UK as "closest partner in the world."

Royal family kicks off nationwide Diamond Jubilee tour in Leicester

March 9, 2012 at 9:23 PM

London, Mar 9 (ANI): The Queen, Prince Philip, and the Duchess of Cambridge were greeted by thousands of cheering royal fans in Leicester at the start of a nationwide tour for the Diamond Jubilee.

Royal family kicks off nationwide Diamond Jubilee tour in Leicester

March 9, 2012 at 2:47 PM

London, Mar 9 (ANI): The Queen, Prince Philip, and the Duchess of Cambridge were greeted by thousands of cheering royal fans in Leicester at the start of a nationwide tour for the Diamond Jubilee.

Morrissey's band wears 'We Hate William and Kate' T-shirt at Argentina gig

March 7, 2012 at 9:05 PM

London, Mar 7 (ANI): Morrissey's band performed in front of 15,000 fans in Argentina wearing "We Hate William and Kate" T-shirts, courting further controversy over his stance on the Falkland Islands.

Morrissey's band wears 'We Hate William and Kate' T-shirt at Argentina gig

March 7, 2012 at 5:35 PM

London, Mar 7 (ANI): Morrissey's band performed in front of 15,000 fans in Argentina wearing "We Hate William and Kate" T-shirts, courting further controversy over his stance on the Falkland Islands.

Demi Moore back home after rehab

March 6, 2012 at 8:41 PM

Melbourne, Mar 6 (ANI): Demi Moore has returned home to Los Angeles after her rehab treatment.

Hundreds of tropical bird species at risk of extinction

March 6, 2012 at 8:40 PM

London, March 6 (ANI): Researchers have cautioned that up to 900 species of tropical land birds around the world could become extinct by 2100.

Several bird species on the verge of extinction

March 6, 2012 at 5:38 PM

Scientists have warned that up to 900 species of tropical land birds around the world may become extinct by 2100.

Hundreds of tropical bird species at risk of extinction

March 6, 2012 at 1:11 PM

London, March 6 (ANI): Researchers have cautioned that up to 900 species of tropical land birds around the world could become extinct by 2100.

Demi Moore back home after rehab

March 6, 2012 at 11:51 AM

Melbourne, Mar 6 (ANI): Demi Moore has returned home to Los Angeles after her rehab treatment.

Kiwi Girl Guides set world record with 170,000-bra chain

February 20, 2012 at 3:39 PM

Melbourne, Feb 20 (ANI): Girl Guides in New Zealand's town of Dragaville have decided to put it on the map as "Bra-gaville" with their record breaking effort of stringing nearly 170,000 bras together.

Andaman administration reluctant to share power with panchayats

February 17, 2012 at 7:39 PM

Port Blair, Feb 17 (ANI): The Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh, said last week, that elected representatives of panchayats should be treated as the "first tier of democracy" rather than the "third tier of development."

Andaman administration reluctant to share power with panchayats

February 17, 2012 at 1:22 PM

Port Blair, Feb 17 (ANI): The Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh, said last week, that elected representatives of panchayats should be treated as the "first tier of democracy" rather than the "third tier of development."

Kate sent 'undies' to Prince William for Valentine's Day

February 16, 2012 at 3:30 PM

London, Feb 16 (ANI)): The Duchess of Cambridge reportedly sent a pair of boxer shorts to her husband Prince William, who is in the Falkland Islands serving as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot, as Valentine's Day gift.

Prince William sends Duchess Kate V-Day gifts from 7,000 miles away

February 15, 2012 at 11:38 AM

London, Feb 15 (ANI): The Duchess of Cambridge has revealed that Prince William has sent her a card for Valentine's Day, even though he is currently in Falklands Islands.

Prince William wants to put military service before royal duty

February 12, 2012 at 12:13 PM

London, Feb 12 (ANI): Prince William has hinted that he will extend his RAF service beyond next year, as he plans to put military service over royal duties.

Argentina accuses UK of treating Falkands as 'last refuge of declining empire'

February 11, 2012 at 7:09 PM

Buenos Aires, Feb 11(ANI): Argentina has claimed that Britain is treating the Falkland Islands as the "last refuge of a declining empire," as it urged the United Nations to stop the "militarisation" of the area.

Girls born to older mums likelier to have breast cancer

February 7, 2012 at 9:23 PM

Washington, Feb 7 (ANI): Women born to mothers aged over 39 years and women who were taller and thinner than the average girl prior to puberty have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

Girls born to older mums likelier to have breast cancer

February 7, 2012 at 10:41 AM

Washington, Feb 7 (ANI): Women born to mothers aged over 39 years and women who were taller and thinner than the average girl prior to puberty have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

Duchess Kate ready to go solo following Queen's royal lessons

February 5, 2012 at 8:58 PM

London, Feb 5 (ANI): The Duchess of Cambridge is being offered a series of "training sessions" by the Queen of England herself, to enable her to take on solo engagements that are coming her way.

Duchess Kate ready to go solo following Queen's royal lessons

February 5, 2012 at 5:13 PM

London, Feb 5 (ANI): The Duchess of Cambridge is being offered a series of "training sessions" by the Queen of England herself, to enable her to take on solo engagements that are coming her way.

New videos of police's role in Andaman's human safari scandal surface

February 5, 2012 at 11:48 AM

Port Blair, Feb 5(ANI): Two videos have revealed the role of Indian police personnel in the human safari scandal in the Andaman Islands.

The 'wisdom' of protecting the 'Jarawas'

February 4, 2012 at 7:41 PM

Port Blair (Andaman), Feb 4 (ANI): The recent controversy over the Jarawas started with a video uploaded by a UK-based daily showing semi clad Jarawa tribal women allegedly being forced to entertain tourists. Accusations were made, government and police officials and activists visited the island, probe was ordered and finally two got arrested by Superintendent of Police. And we came safe out of it!

The 'wisdom' of protecting the 'Jarawas'

February 4, 2012 at 12:52 PM

Port Blair (Andaman), Feb 4 (ANI): The recent controversy over the Jarawas started with a video uploaded by a UK-based daily showing semi clad Jarawa tribal women allegedly being forced to entertain tourists. Accusations were made, government and police officials and activists visited the island, probe was ordered and finally two got arrested by Superintendent of Police. And we came safe out of it!

Prince William arrives in Falkland amid Britain-Argentina diplomatic row

February 3, 2012 at 9:18 PM

London, Feb 3 (ANI): Prince William touched down in Falkland Islands for his six-week deployment, amidst rising tensions between Britain and Argentina over the disputed area.

Prince William arrives in Falkland amid Britain-Argentina diplomatic row

February 3, 2012 at 2:04 PM

London, Feb 3 (ANI): Prince William touched down in Falkland Islands for his six-week deployment, amidst rising tensions between Britain and Argentina over the disputed area.

Wills-Kat put baby plans on hold until next year

January 30, 2012 at 8:29 PM

London, Jan 30 (ANI): Prince William and Duchess Kate are said to have put off their plans of starting a family until next year so that they can focus on the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics.

Wills-Kat put baby plans on hold until next year

January 30, 2012 at 2:36 PM

London, Jan 30 (ANI): Prince William and Duchess Kate are said to have put off their plans of starting a family until next year so that they can focus on the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics.

Senior UK military official says Britain faces 'impossible' battle if Argentina invades Falklands

January 29, 2012 at 8:28 PM

London, Jan 29 (ANI): Britain will find it 'impossible' to win back the Falkland Islands if Argentina invades them again, one of the country's senior military figures has warned.

Senior UK military official says Britain faces 'impossible' battle if Argentina invades Falklands

January 29, 2012 at 4:28 PM

London, Jan 29 (ANI): Britain will find it 'impossible' to win back the Falkland Islands if Argentina invades them again, one of the country's senior military figures has warned.

Two tour operators facing 7 yr jail if convicted in Andaman "human safari" scandal

January 29, 2012 at 11:32 AM

Port Blair, Jan 29(ANI): Two men may face upto seven years in jail if convicted of organizing trips in the Andaman Islands to enable tourists to see Jarawa tribals.

How earth looked from the Jurassic age to more recent times

January 26, 2012 at 8:12 PM

London, Jan 26 (ANI): Researchers have now discovered how earth looked at various stages in its history - from the age of the dinosaurs to more recent times- and what would come into focus for alien astronomers.

Oceans acidified by human CO2 emissions far beyond natural levels

January 23, 2012 at 8:27 PM

Washington, Jan 23 (ANI): Human-induced carbon dioxide emissions for the past 100 to 200 years have already raised acidity of world's oceans far beyond the range of natural variations, a new study has revealed.

William set to join Kate on family vacation

January 22, 2012 at 1:59 PM

Washington, Jan 22 (ANI): Prince William will join his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, in the Caribbean island of Mustique, where she is enjoying a vacation with her family.

Duchess Kate leaves for Mustique family holiday sans Prince William

January 21, 2012 at 8:09 PM

London, Jan 21 (ANI): The Duchess of Cambridge has jetted off to the Caribbean holiday spot of Mustique for some quality time with her family, including sister Pippa.

Chidambaram to give first chip-based ID card in Andaman

January 20, 2012 at 8:56 PM

New Delhi, Jan 20 (ANI): Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram will distribute the first tranche of Resident Identity (smart) card (RIC) at a function in Porthrapur village in Andaman and Nicobar Islands tomorrow.

Chidambaram to give first chip-based ID card in Andaman

January 20, 2012 at 2:00 PM

New Delhi, Jan 20 (ANI): Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram will distribute the first tranche of Resident Identity (smart) card (RIC) at a function in Porthrapur village in Andaman and Nicobar Islands tomorrow.

China reiterates sovereignty over Diaoyu Islands

January 17, 2012 at 9:07 PM

Beijing, Jan.17 (ANI): China has reiterated its sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands.

US radar may have caused 'doomed' Russian Mars probe crash

January 17, 2012 at 9:06 PM

Melbourne, Jan 17 (ANI): A radar stationed at the Marshall Islands in US, may be the reason behind failed mission of Russian aircraft, which crashed into the Pacific Ocean on Sunday, according to an unidentified Russian space official.

US radar may have caused 'doomed' Russian Mars probe crash

January 17, 2012 at 5:08 PM

Melbourne, Jan 17 (ANI): A radar stationed at the Marshall Islands in US, may be the reason behind failed mission of Russian aircraft, which crashed into the Pacific Ocean on Sunday, according to an unidentified Russian space official.

China reiterates sovereignty over Diaoyu Islands

January 17, 2012 at 1:48 PM

Beijing, Jan.17 (ANI): China has reiterated its sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands.

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