|
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, became a marine reserve in 2000. |
|
Geography |
Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
|
|
|
|
| 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 |
illegal killing of protected wildlife by traditional Indonesian fisherman, as well as fishing by non-traditional Indonesian vessels, are ongoing problems |
| Geographic coordinates |
12 14 S, 123 05 E |
| Geography - note |
Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983; Cartier Island Marine Reserve established in 2000 |
| Irrigated land |
0 sq km |
| Land boundaries |
0 km |
| Land use |
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (all grass and sand) (2005) |
| Location |
Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between northwestern Australia and Timor island |
| Map references |
Southeast Asia |
| Maritime claims |
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation |
| Natural hazards |
surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards |
| Natural resources |
fish |
| Terrain |
low with sand and coral |
|
People |
Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
|
|
|
|
| Population |
no indigenous inhabitants
note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh water at Ashmore Reef's West Island; access to East and Middle Islands is by permit only |
|
Transportation |
Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
|
|
|
|
| Ports and terminals |
none; offshore anchorage only |
|
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 Attorney-General's Department |
| 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 |
|
Economy |
Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
|
|
|
|
| Economy - overview |
no economic activity |
|
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 |
|
Transnational Issues |
Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
|
|
|
|
| Disputes - international |
as the closest Australian territory to Indonesia, these islands became the target of human traffickers for the landing of illegal immigrants; in 2001, the Australian government removed these islands from the Australian Migration Zone making illegal arrivals ineligible for temporary visas and entry into Australia |
