Geography of norfolk island

Residents believe in Protestantism and Catholicism Kingston, the administrative center, is a free port located on the north shore of Sydney Bay in the south of the island. It is located at 29 02' south latitude and167 57' east longitude, at 1676 km southwest of Sydney, Australia. It is a volcanic island with a coastline of 32 kilometers and surrounded by coral reefs. It has a subtropical maritime climate with an annual average temperature of 15℃ and an annual precipitation of about 1300mm. The terrain is steep and the soil erosion is serious. There is an airport nearby. Famous tourist attractions.

Australia's overseas territory in the southwest Pacific is located in the northeast of Sydney 1 0,676 km (1 0,041mile). It covers an area of 35 square kilometers (13 square miles). The island is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) long and 5 kilometers (3 miles) wide. Originally a volcanic island. The terrain is rugged, with an average height of110m (360ft), Bates Hill 319m (1047ft) and Pitt Hill 318m (1000). Kingston in the south is the main residential area and administrative center.

The island is a steep part of the submarine ridge (some cliffs are as high as 90 meters [300 feet]). It is composed of horizontal basalt lava flow, and latosol covers most areas. Kingston and Cascade landing sites in the north of the island are one of the few places where the coast is not connected with cliffs. Although the soil is fertile, it is easy to be eroded if the vegetation on the surface is removed. The average temperature is 15℃(60℉), and the average annual rainfall exceeds1300mm (50 inches). There are two smaller islands in the southern waters, namely Phillip Island (a 275-meter [900-foot] high volcanic spire) and Nipian Island (composed of limestone layers). Although most of the land has been reclaimed for farming and grazing, norfolk island pine (A. heterophylla), once the main plant on the island, is still a famous local landscape. There are many kinds of plants on the island, including geckos, bats, turtles, various fish and a large number of seabirds.

The inhabitants of the island are descendants of the mutinous sailor Bunty who moved from Pitcairn Island in 1856, and also descendants of immigrants from Australia and New Zealand. Of the existing population, about 1/3 is a direct descendant of Pitcairn Island residents. The island also has strong Polynesian characteristics and heritage. A unique society based on harmony, self-reliance and respect for authority has been established, and an economic lifestyle of bartering things has been implemented. Immigration to the island is strictly restricted.

Since the mid-1960s, tourism has been the main economic activity in norfolk island. Most islanders are employed in hotels, duty-free shops and other tourism-related industries. More than 30,000 tourists come here every year, most of them from New Zealand. Norfolk island is engaged in subsistence agriculture, producing seeds, grains, fruits and vegetables of Kent coconut. Animal husbandry and fishery are also important to the local area. Food is imported from Australia and New Zealand mainly for the needs of tourism, as well as fuel and consumer goods. Export commodities include trees planted by pine trees in norfolk island; Now promote the forest plan and increase the pine resources on the island. Budget revenue mainly comes from stamp sales, customs duties and alcohol sales (government monopoly). The island has about 80 kilometers (50 miles) of automobile roads, and an airport provides air passenger and cargo services between Australia and New Zealand.

The Chief Executive of norfolk island is appointed by the Australian Governor. According to Law of norfolk islandNo. 1979, the Territory has a Legislative Assembly elected by nine members. Then, the Executive Committee of the Legislative Assembly consists of executive members, whose duties are similar to those of ministers. The norfolk island Act reaffirms Australia's responsibility to norfolk island as its territory and provides that consideration should be given to expanding the powers of the Legislative Assembly. The judiciary includes the Supreme Court and the Small Magistrate's Court on the island. Children aged 6 ~ 15 receive free and compulsory education. Teachers are provided by the New South Wales Department of Education. There is a small hospital on the island.