2001 Edition
CIA World Factbook 2001 (Project Gutenberg)
Introduction
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
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. Recent geological explorations have indicated promising petroleum formations. Ashmore and Cartier Islands Geography
Climate
tropical
Coastline
74.1 km
Country name
conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Dependency status
territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Department of the Environment, Sport, and Territories
Diplomatic representation from the US
none (territory of Australia)
Diplomatic representation in the US
none (territory of Australia)
Disputes - international
none
Economy - overview
no economic activity Ashmore and Cartier Islands Transportation
Elevation extremes
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 3 m
Environment - current issues
NA
Flag description
the flag of Australia is used Ashmore and Cartier Islands Economy
Geographic coordinates
12 14 S, 123 05 E
Geography - note
Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983 Ashmore and Cartier Islands People
Irrigated land
0 sq km (1993)
Land boundaries
0 km
Land use
arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% permanent pastures: 0% forests and woodland: 0% other: 100% (all grass and sand)
Legal system
the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia, where applicable, apply
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
Military - note
defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force Ashmore and Cartier Islands Transnational Issues
Natural hazards
surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards
Natural resources
fish
Population
no indigenous inhabitants note: there are only seasonal caretakers (July 2001 est.) Ashmore and Cartier Islands Government
Ports and harbors
none; offshore anchorage only Ashmore and Cartier Islands Military
Terrain
low with sand and coral
Waterways
none