The Cocos Islands, also known as the Keeling Islands, is a territory of Australia located in the Indian Ocean. It consists of two atolls and 27 coral islands, and is situated about halfway between Australia and Sri Lanka.

The islands were originally inhabited by the Cocos Malay people, who arrived in the 19th century to work in the coconut plantations. The territory was annexed by the Clunies-Ross family in 1857 and was later transferred to the Australian government in 1955.

Today, the Cocos Islands are home to a population of around 600 people, most of whom are of Malay descent. The economy is largely dependent on the export of copra and tourism, with the islands attracting visitors for their stunning natural beauty and opportunities for water-based activities like snorkelling and diving.

The Cocos Islands are also known for their unique flora and fauna, with many species found nowhere else in the world. The islands are an important breeding site for a variety of seabirds, including the Christmas Island frigatebird and the red-footed booby.

The Cocos Islands are a remote and sparsely populated territory, but their unique cultural heritage and natural beauty make them a fascinating destination for visitors looking to experience something off the beaten track.

National holiday
Australia Day (commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet of Australian settlers), 26 January (1788)