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Scattered over more than three-quarters of a 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 the Willis Islets. Automated weather stations, beacons, and a lighthouse occupy many other islands and reefs.
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Oceania, islands in the Coral Sea, northeast of Australia
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18 00 S, 152 00 E
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total: less than 3 sq km
country comparison to the world: 249
land:
less than 3 sq km
water:
0 sq km
note:
includes numerous small islands and reefs scattered over a sea area of about 780,000 sq km with the Willis Islets the most important
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NA
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0 km
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3,095 km
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territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone:
200 nm
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tropical
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sand and coral reefs and islands (or cays)
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lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point:
unnamed location on Cato Island 6 m
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NEGL
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arable land: 0%
permanent crops:
0%
other:
100% (mostly grass or scrub cover) (2005)
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0 sq km
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occasional tropical cyclones
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no permanent freshwater resources
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important nesting area for birds and turtles
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no indigenous inhabitants
note:
there is a staff of three to four at the meteorological station on Willis Island (July 2007 est.)
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conventional long form: Coral Sea Islands Territory
conventional short form:
Coral Sea Islands
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territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Department of Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government
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the legal system of Australia, where applicable, applies
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none (territory of Australia)
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none (territory of Australia)
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the flag of Australia is used
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there are automatic weather stations on many of the isles and reefs relaying data to the mainland
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none; offshore anchorage only
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defense is the responsibility of Australia
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