2001 Edition
CIA World Factbook 2001 (Project Gutenberg)
Introduction
Area
total: less than 3 sq km land: less than 3 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes numerous small islands and reefs scattered over a sea area of about 1 million sq km, with the Willis Islets the most important
Area - comparative
NA
Background
Scattered over some 1 million square kilometers of ocean, the Coral Sea Islands were declared a territory of Australia in 1969. They are uninhabited except for a small meteorological staff on Willis Island. Automated weather stations, beacons, and a lighthouse occupy many other islands and reefs. Coral Sea Islands Geography
Climate
tropical
Coastline
3,095 km
Communications - note
there are automatic weather stations on many of the isles and reefs relaying data to the mainland Coral Sea Islands Transportation
Country name
conventional long form: Coral Sea Islands Territory conventional short form: Coral Sea Islands
Dependency status
territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the 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 Coral Sea Islands Communications
Elevation extremes
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Cato Island 6 m
Environment - current issues
no permanent fresh water resources
Executive branch
administered from Canberra by the Department of the Environment, Sport, and Territories
Flag description
the flag of Australia is used Coral Sea Islands Economy
Geographic coordinates
18 00 S, 152 00 E
Geography - note
important nesting area for birds and turtles Coral Sea 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% (mostly grass or scrub cover)
Legal system
the laws of Australia, where applicable, apply
Location
Oceania, islands in the Coral Sea, northeast of Australia
Map references
Oceania
Maritime claims
exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 3 NM
Military - note
defense is the responsibility of Australia; visited regularly by the Royal Australian Navy; Australia has control over the activities of visitors Coral Sea Islands Transnational Issues
Natural hazards
occasional tropical cyclones
Natural resources
NEGL
Population
no indigenous inhabitants note: there is a staff of three to four at the meteorological station (July 2001 est.) Coral Sea Islands Government
Ports and harbors
none; offshore anchorage only Coral Sea Islands Military
Terrain
sand and coral reefs and islands (or cays)
Waterways
none