The World Factbook | ||
Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
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Introduction | Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
Background:
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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:
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Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between north-western Australia and Timor island |
Geographic coordinates:
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12 14 S, 123 05 E |
Map references:
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Southeast Asia |
Area:
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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:
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about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC |
Land boundaries:
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0 km |
Coastline:
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74.1 km |
Maritime claims:
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territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation |
Climate:
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tropical |
Terrain:
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low with sand and coral |
Elevation extremes:
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lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 3 m |
Natural resources:
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fish |
Land use:
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arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (all grass and sand) (2001) |
Irrigated land:
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0 sq km (1998 est.) |
Natural hazards:
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surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards |
Environment - current issues:
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NA |
Geography - note:
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Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983 |
People | Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
Population:
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no indigenous inhabitants
note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh water at Ashmore Reef's West Island (July 2004 est.) |
People - note:
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the landing of illegal immigrants from Indonesia's Rote Island has become an ongoing problem |
Government | Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
Country name:
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conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
Dependency status:
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territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services |
Legal system:
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the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia, where applicable, apply |
Diplomatic representation in the US:
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none (territory of Australia) |
Diplomatic representation from the US:
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none (territory of Australia) |
Flag description:
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the flag of Australia is used |
Economy | Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
Economy - overview:
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no economic activity |
Transportation | Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
Ports and harbors:
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none; offshore anchorage only |
Military | Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
Military - note:
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defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force |
Transnational Issues | Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
Disputes - international:
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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 |
This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 |