Somewhere in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, between New Zealand, New Caledonia and Australia, is the small, picturesque island of Norfolk.
A bit of history
This island was discovered by the famous navigator captain J. Cook. This event occurred in 1774 during exploration of the Pacific Ocean. At that time the island was uninhabited. Only in 1788 it began to be used as a colony. Norfolk Island becomes a place of exile for prisoners from England.
In 1814, the maintenance of the colony was considered unprofitable, and it was closed. Only in 1825 it was restored again. For 30 years, a strict-regime prison on this island has become a haven for many criminals who have been exiled here for both serious atrocities and minor flaws.
In 1854, the colony was finally liquidated. For several years, residents of Fr. Pitcairn. In this regard, the island organized local government, which was subordinate to the British colony - New South Wales. The year 1913 became significant for the island, it was then that Norfolk gained the status of the Australian external territory and became controlled by the Australian government.
Basic information
Norfolk is a small island with an area of 34.6 square kilometers. It is located between 29 ° 02 'south latitude and 167 ° 57' east longitude. The island has a volcanic origin and corresponding relief, in the center the height above sea level is greater than off the coast. At the same time, average heights are 100-110 meters, and the highest peak is 320 meters (Mount Bates).
The main language on the island is considered English. Also, more recently, in 2005, the Norfolk language, a mixture of English and Tahitian, received official status. He may be obscure to English-speaking citizens arriving on Norfolk Island.
The capital of the external Australian territory is Kingston. This is not a city, but a large village. The village was founded as a penal colony for criminals. Now you can see the ruins of the prison, which are an interesting tourist attraction. For this reason, all travelers try to visit Kingston.
Norfolk Island and its inhabitants
The population of this small island in 2011 was 2,302 people. The maximum number of permanent residents was recorded in 2001 and amounted to 2601 people. The main reason for the decline in the population can be called the outflow of young people traveling outside the island to get an education and in search of work.
If we talk about the composition of the population, then, according to the 2011 census, 47% are men and 53% are women. The age composition indicates an aging population: Norfolk people under the age of 15 years - 16%, from 15 to 64 - 54%, and people over 65 years old - 24%. Most of the modern Norfolkites are old settlers from Pitcairn Island, but there are also visitors from Australia, New Zealand, and even several families from Russia.
Island economy
The basis of Norfolk's economy is the tourism business. Thirty to forty thousand tourists come to the island annually. These are mainly Australians and New Zealanders. Tourist visits to Norfolk have the nature of ecotourism, since the island cannot boast of developed infrastructure and entertainment. People who are attracted to unique vegetation, an amazing underwater world, picturesque bays, a mild subtropical climate, and the low cost of goods and services as a bonus to everything, are in a hurry.
In addition to tourism, Norfolk Island receives income from the issuance of postage stamps, the sale of seedlings and seeds of Kentium and Norfolk pine trees growing in these territories. Agriculture is also developed here. Local residents are engaged in the cultivation of vegetables and grain crops, as well as cattle breeding.
The main attractions that Norfolk Island is famous for
Photos of modern Norfolk can be confused with photographs taken in the XVII-XVIII centuries. Tourists who come to this island sometimes think that they have traveled in time. Life here is calm and measured. You will not see big cities, high-rise buildings of gray concrete and colorful shops. Small cozy villages and farms are scattered throughout the island.
What can Norfolk be of interest to tourists?
A popular tourist attraction is the ruins of the Norfolk prison, which are Kingston. There are many legends and beliefs associated with this place, telling about ghosts and spirits of prisoners. Locals often organize evening and night excursions to the most mysterious and mysterious places in Norfolk, such as the Bloody Bridge, in which, during the construction, the bodies of several dead prison guards, the old convict cemetery and, of course, the ruins of the prison walls were walled up.
The museum, which is located in the old building of the port warehouse, introduces tourists to the most significant events in the history of Norfolk. It also houses artifacts collected after the crash of the ship "Sirius", which sank in one of the bays of the island.
The island's flora deserves special attention, so in 1986 a botanical garden was founded, covering an area of five and a half hectares. Here, the unique Norfolk forest has been preserved unchanged. The layout of the park was developed by the best landscape designers from the UK.
At the foot of Mount Bates, in the north of the island, stands a memorial in honor of Norfolk discoverer James Cook.
Philippe Island
A few kilometers south of Norfolk there is another small island. His visit to the island is included in the mandatory program of all Norfolk tourist routes. The reason for this is not picturesque views and a rich fauna, but rather landscapes resembling images of other planets. Volcanic slopes are almost completely devoid of vegetation, and stony soil shimmers with all shades of red, contrasting with the background of azure waves.
Hard to believe, but the island of Philippa was once a true green paradise. Man's irresponsible attitude to nature has caused such dramatic changes. Endemic rainforests sheltering this small patch of land were completely destroyed by rabbits, goats and pigs, which were bred here in huge numbers. After that, fertile soil became unprotected and was washed away by sea waves.
Currently, local enthusiasts, together with the Australian Society for the Protection of Wildlife, are working to restore the flora and fauna of Philip.
Symbol of Norfolk
The flag of Norfolk Island contains images of the main symbol - the Norfolk pine. The same tree is also depicted on the emblem of the Australian self-governing territory. Norfolk pine is the basis of the island’s flora. One of the important areas of activity of residents is the sale of seeds and seedlings of this unique coniferous plant.
Interesting facts about Norfolk Island
- Although earlier on this small piece of land among the Pacific Ocean mainly offenders lived, now there is a zero crime rate. Locals can even leave their houses and cars open and still feel relaxed.
- The island is named after the wife of Edward Howard (9th Duke of Norfolk) - the Duchess of Norfolk.
- There are no railways, harbors, ports or highways on the island. Communication with the outside world is carried out mainly through the Norfolk Island Airport - the only one on the island.
- Norfolk Island is the only place except America where Thanksgiving is celebrated.