Top banner
The World Factbook 2002

         
  Ashmore and Cartier Islands  
Flag of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Click to enlarge
Categories Banner
  Introduction
  Geography
  People
  Government
  Economy
  Communications
  Transportation
  Military
  Transnational Issues

In general, information available as of 1 January 2002
was used in the preparation of The World Factbook 2002.


This page was last updated on 1 January 2002


Map of Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Legend: Definition Definition Field Listing Field Listing
   Introduction    Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Background:
Definition Field Listing
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:
Definition Field Listing
Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, northwest of Australia
Geographic coordinates:
Definition Field Listing
12 14 S, 123 05 E
Map references:
Definition Field Listing
Southeast Asia
Area:
Definition Field Listing
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:
Definition Field Listing
about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Land boundaries:
Definition Field Listing
0 km
Coastline:
Definition Field Listing
74.1 km
Maritime claims:
Definition Field Listing
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:
Definition Field Listing
tropical
Terrain:
Definition Field Listing
low with sand and coral
Elevation extremes:
Definition Field Listing
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 3 m
Natural resources:
Definition Field Listing
fish
Land use:
Definition Field Listing
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (all grass and sand) (1998 est.)
Irrigated land:
Definition Field Listing
0 sq km (1998 est.)
Natural hazards:
Definition Field Listing
surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards
Environment - current issues:
Definition Field Listing
NA
Geography - note:
Definition Field Listing
Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983
   People    Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Population:
Definition Field Listing
no indigenous inhabitants
note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh waster at Ashmore Reef's West Island
Population growth rate:
Definition Field Listing
NA
People - note:
Definition Field Listing
the landing of illegal immigrants from Indonesia's Rote Island has become an ongoing problem
   Government    Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Country name:
Definition Field Listing
conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Dependency status:
Definition Field Listing
territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services
Legal system:
Definition Field Listing
the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia, where applicable, apply
Diplomatic representation in the US:
Definition Field Listing
none (territory of Australia)
Diplomatic representation from the US:
Definition Field Listing
none (territory of Australia)
Flag description:
Definition Field Listing
the flag of Australia is used
   Economy    Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Economy - overview:
Definition Field Listing
no economic activity

   Transportation    Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Waterways:
Definition Field Listing
none
Ports and harbors:
Definition Field Listing
none; offshore anchorage only
   Military    Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Military - note:
Definition Field Listing
defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force

This page was last updated on 1 January 2002


Bottom Banner