Norfolk Island sits in the South Pacific Ocean 1 100 km n-w of Auckland, 1 600 km n-e of Sydney, 900 km n-e of Lord Howe Island. It covers an area of 3 455 ha (8 km x 5 km) and together with two neighbouring islands, forms one ofAustralia's external territories. Following early Polynesian habitation (600 years ago), European 'discovery' took place in 1774 by Capt James Cook. It served as a harsh penal colony until 1855 after which it was settled by Pitcairn Islanders (descendants of the mutineers of the Bounty). Kingston is the ceremonial capital and Burnt Pine the largest settlement. This sub tropical island is home to the world famous Norfolk Island Pine (represented on the flag). English & Norfuk both spoken here. Tourism is a major part of the economy together with exports of Norfolk Island Pine & Kentia Palm seeds as well as stamps. Foundation Day (Mar), Bounty Day (June) celebrates the arrival of the Pitcairn Islanders (1856) and Show Day (Oct).
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