Page last updated on October 25, 2013

Introduction:
Background:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical 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.
Geography:
Location:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between northwestern Australia and Timor island
Geographic coordinates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
12 14 S, 123 05 E
Map references:
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Oceania
Area:
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total: 5 sq km
country comparison to the world: 247
land: 5 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island
Area - comparative:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Land boundaries:
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0 km
Coastline:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
74.1 km
Maritime claims:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical 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
Climate:
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tropical
Terrain:
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low with sand and coral
Elevation extremes:
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lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 3 m
Natural resources:
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fish
Land use:
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arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (all grass and sand) (2011)
Natural hazards:
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surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards
Environment - current issues:
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illegal killing of protected wildlife by traditional Indonesian fisherman, as well as fishing by non-traditional Indonesian vessels, are ongoing problems
Geography - note:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983; Cartier Island Marine Reserve established in 2000
Population:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical 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
Government:
Country name:
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conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Dependency status:
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territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport
Legal system:
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the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia, where applicable, apply
Diplomatic representation in the US:
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none (territory of Australia)
Diplomatic representation from the US:
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none (territory of Australia)
Flag description:
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the flag of Australia is used
Economy:
Economy - overview:
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no economic activity
Ports and terminals:
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none; offshore anchorage only
Military:
Military - note:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force