SELECT EDITION
CATEGORIES
◆ ECONOMY(1 fields)
Economy - overview
no economic activity
◆ GEOGRAPHY(17 fields)
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
Climate
tropical
Coastline
74.1 km
Elevation extremes
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 3 m
Environment - current issues
NA
Geographic coordinates
12 14 S, 123 05 E
Geography - note
Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983
Irrigated land
0 sq km (1998 est.)
Land boundaries
0 km
Land use
arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (all grass and sand) (2001)
Location
Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between north-western Australia and Timor island
Map references
Southeast Asia
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 12 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
Natural hazards
surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards
Natural resources
fish
Terrain
low with sand and coral
◆ GOVERNMENT(6 fields)
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
Diplomatic representation from the US
none (territory of Australia)
Diplomatic representation in the US
none (territory of Australia)
Flag description
the flag of Australia is used
Legal system
the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia, where applicable, apply
◆ INTRODUCTION(1 fields)
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.
◆ MILITARY(1 fields)
Military - note
defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force
◆ PEOPLE(2 fields)
People - note
the landing of illegal immigrants from Indonesia's Rote Island has become an ongoing problem
Population
no indigenous inhabitants note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh water at Ashmore Reef's West Island (July 2004 est.)
◆ TRANSNATIONAL ISSUES(1 fields)
Disputes - international
Indonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to Ashmore Reef; Australia has closed the surrounding waters to Indonesian traditional fishing and has created a national park in the region while continuing to prospect for hydrocarbons in the vicinity
◆ TRANSPORTATION(1 fields)
Ports and harbors
none; offshore anchorage only