2002 Edition
CIA World Factbook 2002 (Project Gutenberg)
Introduction
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, is now a marine reserve.
Geography
Area
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
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
NA
Geographic coordinates
12 14 S, 123 05 E
Geography - note
Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983
Irrigated land
0 sq km (1998 est.)
Land boundaries
0 km
Land use
arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (all grass and sand) (1998 est.)
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 territorial sea: 12 NM exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM
Natural hazards
surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards
Natural resources
fish
Terrain
low with sand and coral
People and Society
Population
no indigenous inhabitants note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh waster at Ashmore Reef's West Island
Population growth rate
NA
Government
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 Department of Transport and Regional Services
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
Economy - overview
no economic activity
Transportation
Ports and harbors
none; offshore anchorage only
Waterways
none