Ashmore and Cartier Islands. English. |
| The World Factbook 2002 | ||
| Ashmore and Cartier Islands | 
|
|
|
| Introduction | Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
| Background: |
These uninhabited islands came under Australian authority in 1931; formal administration began two years later. Ashmore Reef supports a rich and diverse avian and marine habitat; in 1983 it became a National Nature Reserve. Cartier Island, a former bombing range, is now a marine reserve. |
| Geography | Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
| 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 note: includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island water: 0 sq km land: 5 sq km |
| 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 territorial sea: 12 NM exclusive fishing zone: 200 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% other: 100% (all grass and sand) (1998 est.) |
| Irrigated
land: |
0 sq km (1998 est.) |
| 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 | Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
| Population: |
no indigenous inhabitants
note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh waster at Ashmore Reef's West Island |
| People
- note: |
the landing of illegal immigrants from Indonesia's Rote Island has become an ongoing problem |
| Government | Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
| Country
name: |
conventional long form:
Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
| Dependency
status: |
territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services |
| Legal
system: |
the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia, where applicable, apply |
| 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 | Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
| Economy
- overview: |
no economic activity |
| Transportation | Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
| Waterways: |
none |
| Ports
and harbors: |
none; offshore anchorage only |
| Military | Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
| Military
- note: |
defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force |
Source:
The World Factbook 2002
Last Updated: 19 March 2003
2000-2007
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