Norfolk Island

Background

Polynesians lived on Norfolk Island between 1200 and 1500, but the remote island was uninhabited by the time British explorer James COOK landed on the island in 1774. Two British attempts at establishing the island as a penal colony (1788-1814 and 1825-55) were ultimately abandoned.

In 1856, almost 200 Pitcairn Islanders -- descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions -- were relocated to Norfolk Island because of overcrowding on the Pitcairn Islands. Some returned to the Pitcairn Islands over the next few years, but most settled permanently on Norfolk Island and recreated their previous land tenure and governance structures. Norfolk Island retained a great degree of local control until 1897, when it became a dependency of New South Wales. During World War II, Norfolk Island was an airbase and an important refueling stop in the South Pacific. In 1976, an Australian judge recommended Norfolk Island be incorporated fully into Australia, which Norfolk Islanders rejected. After an appeal to the UN, Australia granted limited self-government to Norfolk Island in 1979.

With growing financial troubles during the 2000s, Australia abolished the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly in 2015, reduced Norfolk Island’s autonomy in 2016, and suspended the local council in 2020. Most services are provided by a mix of the Australian Capital Territory and the states of New South Wales and Queensland. These moves were unpopular on Norfolk Island, which has sought to have its self-government restored and as of 2024, the Australian Government was working with Norfolk Island to establish a new local governing body.

Area

Climate

subtropical; characterized by mild temperatures and minimal seasonal variation

Terrain

an island of volcanic origin featuring predominantly rolling terrain

Land use

Location

located in Oceania, this island sits in the South Pacific Ocean, to the east of Australia

Coastline

32 km

Elevation

Irrigated land

0 sq km (2022)

Map references

Oceania

Land boundaries

Maritime claims

Natural hazards

experiences tropical cyclones primarily from May to July

Geography - note

the majority of the 32-km (20-mi) coastline is made up of nearly inaccessible cliffs, with a small southern section sloping down to the sea at Sydney Bay, where the capital, Kingston, is situated

Natural resources

fish

Area - comparative

approximately 0.2 times the area of Washington, D.C.

Geographic coordinates

29 02 S, 167 57 E

Population distribution

the population is largely centered around the capital city of Kingston

Languages

English (official) 44.9%, Norfolk (official, a blend of 18th-century English and ancient Tahitian) 40.3%, Fijian 1.8%, other 6.8%, unspecified 6.2% (2016 est.)

Religions

Protestant 46.8% (Anglican 29.2%, Uniting Church in Australia 9.8%, Presbyterian 2.9%, Seventh Day Adventist 2.7%, other 2.2%), Roman Catholic 12.6%, other Christian 2.9%, other 1.4%, none 26.7%, unspecified 9.5% (2016 est.)

Population

Nationality

Ethnic groups

Australian 22.8%, English 22.4%, Pitcairn Islander 20%, Scottish 6%, Irish 5.2%

Population growth rate

0.01% (2014 est.)

Population distribution

the population is primarily located in the capital, Kingston

Climate

subtropical; characterized by mild conditions with minimal seasonal temperature fluctuations

Land use

Environmental issues

insufficient management of solid waste; the majority of freshwater is sourced from rainwater harvesting; conservation of a distinctive ecosystem

Flag

description: features three vertical stripes in green (on the left), white, and green, with a prominent green Norfolk Island pine tree positioned in the center of the white section

meaning: green symbolizes the island's abundant flora, while the native pine tree serves as a symbol of the island

Capital

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship

see Australia

Constitution

Country name

Independence

none (territory of Australia)

Legal system

governed by English common law alongside the laws of Australia

Government type

governed as an overseas territory of Australia

Judicial branch

Executive branch

National holiday

Bounty Day (marks the arrival of Pitcairn Islanders), celebrated on 8 June (1856)

Dependency status

administered as a territory of Australia; overseen by the Australian Government via the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities, & Regional Development

Political parties

Norfolk Island Labor Party 
Norfolk Liberals 

Legislative branch

National anthem(s)

National symbol(s)

Norfolk Island pine

National coat of arms

Norfolk Island is a part of the Commonwealth of Australia, and in 1980, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed upon it a distinct coat of arms (illustrated); at the center lies the island's emblem, the Norfolk Island Pine, flanked by Britain’s lion and Australia’s kangaroo supporting the shield; the island’s motto, “Inasmuch,” is derived from a passage in the Gospel of Matthew in the Bible

Diplomatic representation in the US

none (territory of Australia)

Diplomatic representation from the US

International organization participation

UPU

Industries

tourism, light manufacturing, ready-mixed concrete

Exchange rates

Economic overview

affluent Australian territory economy; primary sectors include tourism and re-exportation; a limited workforce with a diminishing participation rate leading to an increase in part-time employment; previously a tax haven; an expanding exporter of medical cannabis; minimal transportation infrastructure

Exports - partners

USA 31%, Belgium 9%, Philippines 7%, Israel 6%, Singapore 6% (2023)

Imports - partners

Australia 52%, Fiji 13%, New Zealand 12%, Saudi Arabia 12%, Malaysia 5% (2023)

Agricultural products

Norfolk Island pine seeds, Kentia palm seeds, grains, vegetables, fruits; cattle, poultry

Exports - commodities

pine seeds, timber, automobiles and parts, soybeans, lactose syrup (2021)

Imports - commodities

refined oil, plastics, electrical lighting/signaling devices, automobiles, machinery (2023)

Internet users

Broadcast media

One local radio station; satellite broadcasts of multiple Australian radio and television stations accessible (2009)

Internet country code

.nf

Ports

Airports

1 (2025)

Military - note

The obligation of defense rests with Australia.