Page last updated on October 25, 2013
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.
Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between northwestern Australia and Timor island
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
about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 3 m
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (all grass and sand) (2011)
surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards
illegal killing of protected wildlife by traditional Indonesian fisherman, as well as fishing by non-traditional Indonesian vessels, are ongoing problems
Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983; Cartier Island Marine Reserve established in 2000
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
conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands
territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport
the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia, where applicable, apply
none (territory of Australia)
none (territory of Australia)
the flag of Australia is used
none; offshore anchorage only
defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force
