Ashmore and Cartier Islands Facts

Facts & Information For Ashmore and Cartier Islands

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Introduction

Background:

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

Location:	Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between north-western Australia and Timor island
Geographic coordinates:	12 14 S, 123 05 E
Map references:	Southeast Asia
Area:	total: 5 sq km note: includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island water: 0 sq km land: 5 sq km
Area - comparative:	about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Land boundaries:	0 km
Coastline:	74.1 km
Maritime claims - as described in UNCLOS 1982 (see Notes and Definitions):	territorial sea: 12 NM contiguous zone: 12 NM exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Climate:	tropical
Terrain:	low with sand and coral
Elevation extremes:	lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 3 m
Natural resources:	fish
Land use:	arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (all grass and sand) (1998 est.)
Irrigated land:	0 sq km (1998 est.)
Natural hazards:	surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards
Environment - current issues:	NA
Geography - note:	Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983

People

Population:	no indigenous inhabitants note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh water at Ashmore Reef's West Island (July 2004 est.)
People - note:	the landing of illegal immigrants from Indonesia's Rote Island has become an ongoing problem

Government

Country name:	conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Dependency status:	territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services
Legal system:	the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia, where applicable, apply
Diplomatic representation in the US:	none (territory of Australia)
Diplomatic representation from the US:	none (territory of Australia)
Flag description:	the flag of Australia is used

Economy

Economy - overview:

no economic activity

Transportation

Waterways:	none
Ports and harbors:	none; offshore anchorage only

Military

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force

Transnational Issues

Disputes - international:

Indonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to Ashmore Reef; Australia has closed the surrounding waters to Indonesian traditional fishing and has created a national park in the region while continuing to prospect for hydrocarbons in the vicinity

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