Territory of Australia
Capital: West Island
Largest village: Bantam
Languages: English (official)
Area: 14 Sq km
Population: Above 600
The Territory of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, also called Cocos Islands and Keeling Islands, is a "States and territories of Australia" territory of Australia, located in the "Indian Ocean" Indian Ocean, southwest of Christmas Island and approximately midway between Australia and Sri Lanka.
There is a small and growing tourist industry focused on water-based or nature activities. Small local gardens and fishing contribute to the food supply, but most food and most other necessities must be imported from Australia or elsewhere.
The Cocos Islands are geostrategically important because of their proximity to Indian Ocean and South China Sea shipping lanes. The United States Armed Forces have planned to construct airbases on the Cocos Islands, capable of supporting drone-based espionage and surveillance over the South China Sea.