Capital: Flying Fish Cove


Named in 1643 for the day of its discovery, the island was annexed and settlement was begun by the UK in 1888. Phosphate mining began in the 1890s. The UK transferred sovereignty to Australia in 1958. Almost two-thirds of the island has been declared a national park.


Here, on the world's largest coral atoll, 18 different species of marine birds make their home amidst rugged scenery and relics of World War II.












Special Note:

We direct travelers to our travel insurance provider, and point out that U.S. insurance plans seldom cover health costs outside the U.S., nor do Medicare and Medicaid.

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