World Factbook
Christmas Island
Territory of Christmas Island
Last updated: 2026-03-28 (today)
Languages
English (official) 27.6%, Mandarin 17.2%, Malay 17.1%, Cantonese 3.9%, Min Nan 1.6%, Tagalog 1%, other 4.5%, unspecified 27.1% (2016 est.)
note: data represent language spoken at home
Religions
Muslim 19.4%, Buddhist 18.3%, Roman Catholic 8.8%, Protestant 6.5% (includes Anglican 3.6%, Uniting Church 1.2%, other 1.7%), other Christian 3.3%, other 0.6%, none 15.3%, unspecified 27.7% (2016 est.)
Median age
total
38 years (2021 est.)
Population
male
1,007
total
1,692 (2021 est.)
female
685
Nationality
noun
Christmas Islander(s)
adjective
Christmas Island
Age structure
0-14 years
16.6%
15-64 years
70.4%
65 years and over
13% (2021)
Ethnic groups
Chinese 70%, European 20%, Malay 10% (2001)
note: no indigenous population
Population growth rate
1.11% (2014 est.)
Population distribution
majority of the population lives on the northern tip of the island