Oceania · Australia and New Zealand

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Capital: West Island
Population: 550
Region: Oceania
Languages: English

Fun fact

This remote territory was once the personal fiefdom of the Clunies-Ross family, who ruled as the 'Kings of the Cocos' for over 150 years. They even issued their own private currency, known as Cocos rupees, which was minted in ivory and plastic to pay workers on the coconut plantations. This unique feudal arrangement only ended in 1978 when the Australian government purchased the family's land rights to transition the islands into a modern administrative structure.

Currency

The official currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD), which replaced various forms of local tender. Historically, the islands famously used 'Cocos Rupees' and plastic ivory tokens issued by the Clunies-Ross family, which were only redeemable at the local estate shops.

Flag symbolism

The flag features a green field representing the lush tropical flora of the islands and a gold disc in the canton containing a coconut palm, the primary natural resource. A gold crescent represents the faith of the Cocos Malay population, while the Southern Cross constellation honors the territory's link to the Southern Hemisphere and Australia. The use of green and gold together mirrors the national colors of Australia, reinforcing the political and cultural connection between the two entities.

Emblem history

The islands use an unofficial coat of arms that prominently features two crocodiles as supporters, reflecting the regional fauna found in the surrounding waters. The central shield is divided into four quarters showing local symbols, such as the coconut palm and the traditional sailing vintas used by the inhabitants. Beneath the shield, a motto in Malay translates to 'Our Unity, Our Strength,' which highlights the integration of the diverse Malay and European heritages that define the local community.