World Factbook
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Last updated: 2026-03-28 (today)
Flag
the flag of Australia is used
Capital
name
West Island
time difference
UTC+6.5 (11.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
geographic coordinates
12 10 S, 96 50 E
Suffrage
18 years of age
Citizenship
see Australia
Constitution
history
23 November 1955 (Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act 1955)
Country name
etymology
the name refers to the abundant coconut trees on the islands and to English Captain William KEELING, the first European to sight the islands in 1609
conventional long form
Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands
conventional short form
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Independence
none (territory of Australia)
Legal system
common law based on the Australian model
Government type
non-self-governing overseas territory of Australia
Judicial branch
highest court(s)
under the terms of the Territorial Law Reform Act 1992, Western Australia provides court services as needed for the island including the Supreme Court and subordinate courts (District Court, Magistrate Court, Family Court, Children's Court, and Coroners' Court)
Executive branch
cabinet
NA
chief of state
King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia General Sam MOSTYN (since 1 July 2024)
head of government
Administrator Farzian ZAINAL (since 11 May 2023)
election/appointment process
the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the Australian prime minister; administrator appointed by the governor-general for a 2-year term and represents the monarch and Australia
National holiday
Australia Day (commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet of Australian settlers), 26 January (1788)
Dependency status
non-self-governing territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities & Regional Development
Political parties
none
Legislative branch
term in office
4 years
number of seats
7 (directly elected)
electoral system
plurality/majority
legislature name
Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire Council
scope of elections
partial renewal
legislative structure
unicameral
most recent election date
10/21/2023
expected date of next election
October 2025
percentage of women in chamber
16.7%
National anthem(s)
title
"God Save the King"
history
royal anthem, as an Australian territory
lyrics/music
unknown
Diplomatic representation in the US
none (territory of Australia)
Diplomatic representation from the US
embassy
none (territory of Australia)
International organization participation
none