1996 Edition
CIA World Factbook 1996 (Project Gutenberg)
Introduction
Description
the flag of Australia is used
Location
12 14 S, 123 05 E -- Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, northwest of Australia Flag ----
Geography
Area
- comparative area
- about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
- land area
- 5 sq km
- note
- includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island
- total area
- 5 sq km
Climate
tropical
Coastline
74.1 km
Environment
- current issues
- NA
- international agreements
- NA
- natural hazards
- surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards
Geographic coordinates
12 14 S, 123 05 E
Geographic note
Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983
International disputes
none
Irrigated land
0 sq km
Land boundaries
0 km
Land use
- arable land
- 0%
- forest and woodland
- 0%
- meadows and pastures
- 0%
- other
- 100% (all grass and sand)
- permanent crops
- 0%
Location
Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, northwest of Australia
Map references
Southeast Asia
Maritime claims
- contiguous zone
- 12 nm
- continental shelf
- 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
- exclusive fishing zone
- 200 nm
- territorial sea
- 3 nm
Natural resources
fish
Terrain
- low with sand and coral
- highest point
- unnamed location 3 m
- lowest point
- Indian Ocean 0 m
People and Society
Population
no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are only seasonal caretakers
Government
Administrative divisions
none (territory of Australia)
Capital
none; administered from Canberra, Australia
Data code
AT
Diplomatic representation in US
none (territory of Australia)
Flag
the flag of Australia is used
Independence
none (territory of Australia)
Legal system
relevant laws of the Northern Territory of Australia
Name of country
- conventional long form
- Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
- conventional short form
- Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Type of government
territory of Australia administered by the Australian Ministry for the Environment, Sport, and Territories
US diplomatic representation
none (territory of Australia)
Economy
Economic overview
no economic activity
Transportation
Defense note
defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force
Ports
none; offshore anchorage only Defense