The Cocos Keeling Islands lie about 12 degrees 10 minutes south and 96 degrees 55 minutes east. The islands consist of two atolls, North Keeling and South Keeling. There are 27 small coral islands most located in South Keeling's lagoon. Cocos Keeling is Australian territory. Capt. William Keeling found the North Keeling Islands in 1609. In 1857 Britain claimed the islands. In 1955 the islands became part of Australia. There are ostrich and alpaca farms on the islands. The islands are not self-sufficient and must obtain food, fuel and supplies from Australia. The population is about 600. The island weather is under the influence of the Southeast trade winds for most of the year. These islands are rarely affected by tropical storms.