1996 Edition
CIA World Factbook 1996 (Project Gutenberg)
Introduction
Description
the flag of Australia is used
Location
18 00 S, 152 00 E -- Oceania, islands in the Coral Sea, northeast of Australia Flag ----
Geography
Area
- comparative area
- NA
- land area
- less than 3 sq km
- note
- includes numerous small islands and reefs scattered over a sea area of about 1 million sq km, with Willis Islets the most important
- total area
- less than 3 sq km
Climate
tropical
Coastline
3,095 km
Environment
- current issues
- no permanent fresh water resources
- international agreements
- NA
- natural hazards
- occasional, tropical cyclones
Geographic coordinates
18 00 S, 152 00 E
Geographic note
important nesting area for birds and turtles
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% (mostly grass or scrub cover)
- permanent crops
- 0%
Location
Oceania, islands in the Coral Sea, northeast of Australia
Map references
Oceania
Maritime claims
- exclusive fishing zone
- 200 nm
- territorial sea
- 3 nm
Natural resources
negligible
Terrain
- sand and coral reefs and islands (or cays)
- highest point
- unnamed location on Cato Island 6 m
- lowest point
- Pacific Ocean 0 m
People and Society
Population
no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are three meteorologists
Government
Capital
none; administered from Canberra, Australia
Data code
CR
Flag
the flag of Australia is used
Independence
none (territory of Australia)
Name of country
- conventional long form
- Coral Sea Islands Territory
- conventional short form
- Coral Sea Islands
Type of government
territory of Australia administered by the Ministry for Environment, Sport, and Territories
Economy
Economic overview
no economic activity
Transportation
Defense note
defense is the responsibility of Australia; visited regularly by the Royal Australian Navy; Australia has control over the activities of visitors
Ports
none; offshore anchorage only Defense