Sites & cities that bear the name of West Island

West Island

Today in : Cocos (Keeling) Islands
First trace of activity : ca. 19th century C.E
Last trace of activity : today
Recorded names : Pulau Panjang, Pulu Panjang

Description : West Island (Malay: Pulau Panjang, Cocos Malay: Pulu Panjang), part of the South Keeling Islands, is the capital of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The population is roughly 120 making it the third smallest capital in the world, and consists mainly of Europeans. It is less populous than Home Island, the only other inhabited island. West Island was part of the Clunies-Ross plantation and an airstrip was built here during World War II. As well as all the government buildings, it contains the airport, a general store and tourist accommodation. In November 2013 it was revealed that the Australian Signals Directorate operates a listening station on West Island. Wullenweber and Adcock antenna systems as well as two satellite dish antennae are clearly visible via Google satellite view.

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