Ashmore and Cartier
Islands (territory of Australia) |
|
Geography |
Location: Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, northwest of Australia
Geographic coordinates: 12 14 S, 123 05 E
Map references: Southeast Asia
Area:
total:
5 sq km
land:
5 sq km
water:
0 sq km
note:
includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island
Area - comparative: about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 74.1 km
Maritime claims:
contiguous zone:
12 nm
continental shelf:
200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
exclusive fishing zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
3 nm
Climate: tropical
Terrain: low with sand and coral
Elevation extremes:
lowest point:
Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point:
unnamed location 3 m
Natural resources: fish
Land use:
arable land:
0%
permanent crops:
0%
permanent pastures:
0%
forests and woodland:
0%
other:
100% (all grass and sand)
Irrigated land: 0 sq km (1993)
Natural hazards: surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards
Environment - current issues: NA
Geography - note: Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983
People |
Population:
no indigenous inhabitants
note:
there are only seasonal caretakers (July 2000 est.)
Government |
Country name:
conventional long form:
Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
conventional short form:
Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Data code: AT
Dependency status: territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Department of the Environment, Sport, and Territories
Legal system: relevant laws of the Northern Territory of Australia
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (territory of Australia)
Diplomatic representation from the US: none (territory of Australia)
Flag description: the flag of Australia is used
Economy |
Economy - overview: no economic activity
Transportation |
Ports and harbors: none; offshore anchorage only
Military |
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force
Transnational Issues |
Disputes - international:
none