Photo by: Rohid Syahwana
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are a remote territory of Australia located in the Indian Ocean. The islands consist of two atolls with 27 coral islands in total, of which only two are inhabited. They are situated approximately midway between Australia and Sri Lanka. The larger of the two inhabited islands is called West Island, while the other is Home Island. The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are known for their stunning natural beauty, with pristine beaches, clear waters, and abundant marine life, making them a popular destination for tourists, especially those interested in diving and snorkeling. The islands’ economy primarily relies on tourism, coconut plantations, and fishing. They have a small population, mainly consisting of people of Cocos Malay descent, as well as Australian expatriates and other ethnic groups. The islands are governed by the Australian government as an external territory.