Norfolk Island

Norfolk Island is an Australian external territory in the southwest Pacific. Kingston is its administrative centre and a historic settlement.

Find Norfolk Island

● Administrative centre · Gold highlights this card’s area.
Map: Natural Earth. Boundaries show geographic context, not a position on sovereignty. Small islands may use enlarged markers.

At a glance

Administrative centre: Kingston
Language guide: Languages spoken & official status
Currency: Australian dollar (AUD)
Population: 2,1882021 Census · Australian Bureau of Statistics
Area: 36 km²13.90 square miles
Status: Australian external territoryCurrent framework follows reforms beginning in 2015.

Norfolk Island in context

Oceania and its surrounding regions. The dot marks Kingston; the mapped territory is highlighted in gold.

Natural Earth · locator map

Geography & environment

Landscape

Norfolk Island is a small volcanic island in the southwest Pacific with rolling hills, valleys and steep coastal cliffs. Some sheltered bays and lower coastal areas provide easier access to the sea. Nearby smaller islands add to the surrounding island setting.

Pine-covered slopes are a distinctive feature of the landscape. Open pasture and settlement contrast with remaining forested areas. The island’s relief is modest compared with large volcanic islands, but short distances can still involve steep changes in slope.

Climate & seasons

The surrounding ocean gives Norfolk Island a mild subtropical climate. Seasonal temperature differences are modest compared with those in continental interiors.

Oceanic habitats

A mild maritime climate supports vegetation throughout much of the year. Island isolation has produced distinctive plants and animals. Coastal cliffs and offshore islands provide important seabird habitats.

Flag

Three vertical bands of green (left side), white, and green, with a large green Norfolk Island pine tree centered on the white band

Sources: CIA World Factbook · archived profile · Australian Government · Norfolk Island · Australian Government · governance

Landscapes & nature

Languages

Public and official use

English and Norf’k are official languages. Norf’k developed from the English and Tahitian language traditions of the Pitcairn settlers who moved to Norfolk Island.

Community and regional languages

The language is closely related to Pitkern but has developed in its own island setting. Its continued use is part of local identity alongside the widespread use of English.

Sources: Australian Government · Norfolk Island · Norfolk Island Language Act · CIA World Factbook · archived profile

History & status

Britain established a penal settlement on Norfolk Island in 1788. In 1856, settlers from Pitcairn Island arrived, bringing a culture descended from the Bounty mutineers and their Polynesian companions. Norfolk Island later became an Australian external territory. A period of local self-government ended when the Legislative Assembly was abolished in 2015, followed by new administrative arrangements.

1788
Britain establishes a penal settlement
1856
Pitcairn Islanders resettle on Norfolk Island
1979
A local self-government framework begins
2015
The Legislative Assembly is abolished

Sources: CIA World Factbook · archived profile · Australian Government · Norfolk Island · Australian Government · governance

Economy

Main activities

Tourism is a major private-sector activity, supported by accommodation, restaurants, transport and heritage attractions. Public services, construction, agriculture and local retail also contribute. The island depends heavily on imported goods and reliable air and sea connections.

Industry and production

Visitor accommodation, restaurants, transport, construction, agriculture and public services.

Sources: CIA World Factbook · archived profile · Australian Government · Norfolk Island · Australian Government · governance

Population

2,188 · 2021 Census · Australian Bureau of Statistics

Sources: CIA World Factbook · archived profile · Australian Government · Norfolk Island · Australian Government · governance

Government

An Australian external territory under Commonwealth authority. An Administrator represents the Australian Government. Local service delivery and governance are undergoing reform; the former Legislative Assembly was abolished in 2015. Norfolk Island is not an independent country.

Sources: CIA World Factbook · archived profile · Australian Government · Norfolk Island · Australian Government · governance

Knowledge check

Three questions about Norfolk Island.

QUESTION 1 OF 3

What is the administrative centre of Norfolk Island?

Sources & notes

Sources: CIA World Factbook · archived profile · Australian Government · Norfolk Island · Australian Government · governance

Prepared 24 September 2026. World Bank series: SP.POP.TOTL (persons) and NY.GDP.MKTP.KD (constant 2015 US dollars); downloaded 24 September 2026, provider update 13 July 2026. UNDP values use the 2025 report and 2023 observation year. These are dated statistical snapshots, not live population or economic counters.

Maps use Natural Earth geographic data. Background geography, flag descriptions and selected historical facts use archived public-domain CIA World Factbook profiles, supplemented by the sources linked above. The Factbook is no longer updated; dated statistics here come from the separately named providers.