Norfolk island

Norfolk Island is a small island in the Pacific Ocean located between Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia. It is part of the Commonwealth of Australia, but it enjoys a large degree of autonomy.

History

Norfolk Island was first settled by East Polynesian seafarers either from the Kermadec Islands north of New Zealand or from the North Island of New Zealand. They arrived in the thirteenth or fourteenth century, and survived for several generations before disappearing.

The island was rediscovered by Captain James Cook on his second voyage to the South Pacific on HMS Resolution in 1774. It was settled by the British in 1788 as part of its settlement of Australia. The island served as a convict penal settlement until 1855, except for an 11-year hiatus between 1814 and 1825, when it lay abandoned.

In 1856, the island was resettled by Pitcairn Islanders, descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions.

Geography

Norfolk Island is located in the South Pacific Ocean, roughly halfway between New Zealand and New Caledonia. Its area is 34.6 square kilometres (13.4 sq mi), with no large-scale internal bodies of water but 32 kilometres (20 mi) of coastline. The island's highest point is Mount Bates reaching 319 metres (1,047 ft) above sea level, located in the northwest quadrant of the island.

Economy

The economy of Norfolk Island is largely driven by tourism, which generates around 30% of the island's GDP. Other major sectors include agriculture, fishing, and various forms of self-employment.

Demographics

As of the 2016 Australian census, the population of Norfolk Island was 1,748. The majority of residents are of Pitcairn Island descent, with a minority of Australians and New Zealanders.

Culture

The culture of Norfolk Island is deeply influenced by its history. The descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions speak both English and a unique dialect known as Norfuk, a blend of 18th-century English and Tahitian.

See also

• History of Norfolk Island
• Geography of Norfolk Island
• Economy of Norfolk Island
• Demographics of Norfolk Island
• Culture of Norfolk Island