World Factbook
Norfolk Island
Territory of Norfolk Island
Last updated: 2026-03-28 (today)
Flag
description: three vertical bands of green (left side), white, and green, with a large green Norfolk Island pine tree centered on the white band meaning: green stands for the island's rich vegetation, and the native pine tree is an island symbol
note: resembles Canada's flag in its use of only two colors and depiction of a symbol based on a native tree in the central white band; also resembles Nigeria's green-and-white tri-band flag
Capital
name
Kingston
etymology
the name blends the words "king's" and "town;" the English king at the time of the town's settlement in the late 18th century was GEORGE III
time difference
UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time
+1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends first Sunday in April
geographic coordinates
29 03 S, 167 58 E
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Citizenship
see Australia
Constitution
history
previous 1913, 1957; latest effective 7 August 1979
Country name
etymology
named by British explorer Captain James COOK after Edward HOWARD, the ninth Duke of Norfolk, in 1774
conventional long form
Territory of Norfolk Island
conventional short form
Norfolk Island
Independence
none (territory of Australia)
Legal system
English common law and the laws of Australia
Government type
administered as an overseas territory of Australia
note: the Norfolk Island Regional Council, which began operations 1 July 2016, is responsible for planning and managing a variety of public services, including those funded by the Government of Australia
Judicial branch
note
note: appeals beyond the Supreme Court of Norfolk Island are heard by the Federal Court and the High Court of Australia
highest court(s)
Supreme Court of Norfolk Island (consists of the chief justice and several justices)
subordinate courts
Petty Court of Sessions; specialized courts, including a Coroner's Court and the Employment Tribunal
judge selection and term of office
justices appointed by the governor general of Australia from among justices of the Federal Court of Australia; justices serve until mandatory retirement at age 70
Executive branch
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 George PLANT (since 1 June 2023)
election/appointment process
the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia for a 2-year term and represents the monarch and Australia
National holiday
Bounty Day (commemorates the arrival of Pitcairn Islanders), 8 June (1856)
Dependency status
administered as a territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities, & Regional Development
Political parties
Norfolk Island Labor Party Norfolk Liberals
Legislative branch
term in office
4 years
number of seats
5 (directly elected)
electoral system
plurality/majority
legislature name
Norfolk Island Regional Council
scope of elections
full renewal
legislative structure
unicameral
most recent election date
5/28/2016
expected date of next election
March 2021 (postponed)
percentage of women in chamber
20%
parties elected and seats per party
independent (5)
National anthem(s)
title
"God Save the King"
history
royal anthem, as an Australian overseas territory
lyrics/music
unknown
National symbol(s)
Norfolk Island pine
National coat of arms
Norfolk Island is part of the Commonwealth of Australia, and in 1980, Queen Elizabeth II granted it a separate coat of arms (pictured); in the center is the island’s symbol, the Norfolk Island Pine, with Britain’s lion and Australia’s kangaroo supporting the shield; the island’s motto, “Inasmuch,” comes from a verse in the Bible’s Gospel of Matthew
Diplomatic representation in the US
none (territory of Australia)
Diplomatic representation from the US
embassy
none (territory of Australia)
International organization participation
UPU