About Norfolk Island

Here we've distilled information and facts from various sources about the location, size, population, geography, transport, climate, economy, history, government, law, and so on, of Norfolk Island; into a view that makes sense for a traveller to, or within, this territory.

Location

Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia

Climate

Subtropical; mild, little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain

Volcanic formation with mostly rolling plains

Elevation

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Bates 319 m

Geo Notes

Most of the 32 km coastline consists of almost inaccessible cliffs, but the land slopes down to the sea in one small southern area on Sydney Bay, where the capital of Kingston is situated

Approved Official Names

conventional long form: Territory of Norfolk Island
conventional short form: Norfolk Island

Capital City

name: Kingston
geographic coordinates: 29 03 S, 167 58 E
time difference: UTC+11.5

Administrative Divisions

None (territory of Australia)

Natuaral Hazards

Typhoons (especially May to July)

Environmental Issues

Life Expectancy

total population: NA
male: NA
female: NA

Sex Ratio

Legal System

Based on the laws of Australia, local ordinances and acts; English common law applies in matters not covered by either Australian or Norfolk Island law

Telephone System

general assessment: adequate
domestic: free local calls
international: country code - 672; undersea coaxial cable links with Australia and New Zealand; satellite earth station - 1

Broadcast Media

1 local radio station; broadcasts of several Australian radio and television stations are received via satellite (2009)

Size

total: 36 sq km
land: 36 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Population

2,155 (July 2010 est.)

Nationality

noun: Norfolk Islander(s)
adjective: Norfolk Islander(s)

Ethnic Groups

descendants of the Bounty mutineers, Australian, New Zealander, Polynesian

Languages Spoken

English (official), Norfolk - a mixture of 18th century English and ancient Tahitian

Religions Practiced

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)

HIV/AIDS Rate

Dependency Of

Self governing territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department

Independence Date

none (territory of Australia)

National Holiday

Bounty Day (commemorates the arrival of Pitcairn Islanders), 8 June (1856)

Government Type

Voting Rights

18 years of age; universal

Internet Hosts

93 (2010)

Internet Country Code

.nf

Background

Two British attempts at establishing the island as a penal colony (1788-1814 and 1825-55) were ultimately abandoned. In 1856, the island was resettled by Pitcairn Islanders, descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions.

Economy Overview

Tourism, the primary economic activity, has steadily increased over the years and has brought a level of prosperity unusual among inhabitants of the Pacific islands. The agricultural sector has become self sufficient in the production of beef, poultry, and eggs.

National Anthem

name: "Come Ye Blessed"
lyrics/music: New Testament/John Prindle SCOTT
note: the local anthem, whose lyrics consist of the words from Matthew 25:34-36, 40, is also known as "The Pitcairn Anthem;" as a territory of Australia, "God Save the Queen" is official (see Australia), however, the island does not recognize "Advance Australia Fair"