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  Ashmore and Cartier Islands  
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This page was last updated on 17 May, 2005


Map of Ashmore and Cartier Islands



Legend: DefinitionDefinition Field ListingField Listing Rank OrderRank Order
   Introduction    Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Background:
Definition Field Listing
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    Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Location:
Definition Field Listing
Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between northwestern Australia and Timor island
Geographic coordinates:
Definition Field Listing
12 14 S, 123 05 E
Map references:
Definition Field Listing
Southeast Asia
Area:
Definition Field Listing Rank Order
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:
Definition Field Listing
about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Land boundaries:
Definition Field Listing
0 km
Coastline:
Definition Field Listing
74.1 km
Maritime claims:
Definition Field Listing
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 12 nm
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
Climate:
Definition Field Listing
tropical
Terrain:
Definition Field Listing
low with sand and coral
Elevation extremes:
Definition Field Listing
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 3 m
Natural resources:
Definition Field Listing
fish
Land use:
Definition Field Listing
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (all grass and sand) (2001)
Irrigated land:
Definition Field Listing
0 sq km (1998 est.)
Natural hazards:
Definition Field Listing
surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards
Environment - current issues:
Definition Field Listing
NA
Geography - note:
Definition Field Listing
Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983
   People    Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Population:
Definition Field Listing Rank Order
no indigenous inhabitants
note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh water at Ashmore Reef's West Island (July 2005 est.)
People - note:
Definition Field Listing
the landing of illegal immigrants from Indonesia's Rote Island has become an ongoing problem
   Government    Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Country name:
Definition Field Listing
conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Dependency status:
Definition Field Listing
territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services
Legal system:
Definition Field Listing
the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia, where applicable, apply
Diplomatic representation in the US:
Definition Field Listing
none (territory of Australia)
Diplomatic representation from the US:
Definition Field Listing
none (territory of Australia)
Flag description:
Definition Field Listing
the flag of Australia is used
   Economy    Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Economy - overview:
Definition Field Listing
no economic activity

   Transportation    Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Ports and harbors:
Definition Field Listing
none; offshore anchorage only
   Military    Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Military - note:
Definition Field Listing
defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force
   Transnational Issues    Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Disputes - international:
Definition Field Listing
Indonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to Ashmore Reef; Australia closed the surrounding waters to Indonesian traditional fishing and created a national park in the region while continuing to prospect for hydrocarbons in the vicinity

This page was last updated on 17 May, 2005


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