Skip to content. | Skip to navigation

 
Central Intelligence Agency
The Work of a Nation. The Center of Intelligence
CIA - The World Factbook The World Factbook Home
CIA - The World Factbook
Australia-Oceania :: Ashmore and Cartier Islands
(territory of Australia)
page last updated on April 7, 2010
Flag of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
(CONTAINS DESCRIPTION)
Location of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Click flag or map to enlarge Opens in New Window
 
Map of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Click map to enlarge Opens in New Window
No Photos available for Ashmore and Cartier Islands
 
no photos available of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Expand All | collapse All
Introduction ::Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
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, became a marine reserve in 2000.
Back to Top
Geography ::Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between northwestern Australia and Timor island
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
12 14 S, 123 05 E
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 5 sq km
country comparison to the world: 245
land: 5 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 km
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
74.1 km
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Current Weather
tropical
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
low with sand and coral
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 3 m
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
fish
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (all grass and sand) (2005)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 sq km
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
illegal killing of protected wildlife by traditional Indonesian fisherman, as well as fishing by non-traditional Indonesian vessels, are ongoing problems
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983; Cartier Island Marine Reserve established in 2000
Back to Top
People ::Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
no indigenous inhabitants
note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh water at Ashmore Reef's West Island; access to East and Middle Islands is by permit only
Back to Top
Government ::Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia where applicable apply
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
none (territory of Australia)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
none (territory of Australia)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
the flag of Australia is used
Back to Top
Economy ::Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
no economic activity
Back to Top
Transportation ::Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
none; offshore anchorage only
Back to Top
Military ::Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force
Back to Top
Transnational Issues ::Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
as the closest Australian territory to Indonesia, these islands became the target of human traffickers for the landing of illegal immigrants; in 2001, the Australian government removed these islands from the Australian Migration Zone making illegal arrivals ineligible for temporary visas and entry into Australia
Back to Top
Expand All | collapse All
The online Factbook is updated bi-weekly. ISSN 1553-8133
For additional information on government leaders in selected foreign countries, go to World Leaders.