These beautiful Maldive-like remote islands are made up of 27 coral islands, covering a tiny 14 square kilometres on 2 atolls. The islands are situated approximately 2700 kilometres north west of Perth, in the Indian Ocean. Initially discovered in 1609 by Captain William Keeling, of the East India Company, the islands were first settled in 1825. The islands became a Territory of Australia in 1984, in an act of Self-Determination.

The population of 650 consists mainly of Cocos Malays, initially brought in by the Clunies-Ross family for labour on their copra plantation. Observing strict Moslim faith, the Cocos Malays reside mainly on Home Island in the Kampong (village), with the balance of the population, administration, airport, and tourist accommodation being located on West Island.

Home and West Islands are both located on the southern atoll, with 23 other uninhabited islands. North Keeling Island makes up the second atoll, and is a National Park area.