West Island
Welcome to West Island, a Tropical island in the Indian Ocean, part of the majestic Indian Ocean. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what makes West Island unique – from its geography and climate to its population, infrastructure, and beyond. Dive into the details:
- Geography and Size: Explore the island’s size and location.
- Climate and Weather: Weather patterns and temperature.
- Topography and Nature: Uncover the natural wonders of the island.
- Infrastructure and Travelling: Insights on reaching, staying, and making the most of your visit.
- News and Headlines: Latest News.
Geography and size of West Island
Size: 6.51 km²
Coastline: 36.7 km
Ocean: Indian Ocean
Sea: Indian Ocean
Continent: Seven seas (open ocean)
West Island is a Small Island spanning 6.5 km² with a coastline of 36.7 km.
Archipel: –
Tectonic Plate: Somalia – A large tectonic plate covering the Horn of Africa and parts of the Indian Ocean, known for the East African Rift where it’s splitting away from the African Plate.
The geographic heart of the island is pinpointed at these coordinates:
Latitude: -12.17396859 / Longitude: 96.83159698
Climate and weather of West Island
Climate Zone: Tropical
Climate Details: Tropical Rainforest Climate
Temperature: Hot
Climate Characteristics: This climate is typified by heavy rainfall throughout the year, high humidity, and consistently high temperatures, leading to lush rainforests and rich biodiversity. Seasonal temperature variations are minimal.
Topography and nature of West Island
Timezone: UTC+06:30
Timezone places: Indian/Cocos
Max. Elevation: 11 m
Mean Elevation: -4 m
Vegetation: Rocky Terrain
Tree Coverage: 69%
The mean elevation is -4 m. The highest elevation on the island reaches approximately 11 meters above sea level. The island is characterized by Plains: Flat, low-lying lands characterized by a maximum elevation of up to 200 meters. On islands, plains are typically coastal lowlands or central flat areas.
Dominating Vegetation: Rocky Terrain
Landscapes dominated by gravel, rock, and stone, with little to no vegetation. These areas are often found in mountainous regions or deserts. West Island has a tree cover of 69 %.
Vegetation: 6 vegetation zones – Very Highly Diverse Island
Islands in this range are ecological powerhouses, showcasing a wide array of vegetation zones. Each zone, from lush rainforests to arid scrublands, coastal mangroves to mountainous regions, contributes to a complex and interdependent ecosystem. These islands are often hotspots of biodiversity, supporting numerous species and intricate ecological processes.
Infrastructure and Travelling to West Island
Does the island have a public airport? yes.
West Island has a public and scheduled airport. The following airports are located on this island: Cocos (Keeling) Islands Airport.
Does the island have a major port? no.
There are no major ports on West Island. The closest major port is FLYING FISH COVE, approximately 1002 km away.
The mean population of West Island is 23 per km². West Island is Gently Populated. The island belongs to Australia.
Continuing your journey, Enggano is the next notable island, situated merely km away.
Australia is classified as Developed region: nonG7: Developed economies outside of the Group of Seven, characterized by high income and advanced economic structures. The level of income is High income: OECD.
News – Latest Updates and Headlines from West Island
Stay informed with the most recent news and important headlines from West Island. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments.
Please note: The data used here has been primarily extracted from satellite readings. Deviations from exact values may occur, particularly regarding the height of elevations and population density. Land area and coastline measurements refer to average values at mean high tide.