Page last updated on October 29, 2013
The United Kingdom transferred these uninhabited, barren, sub-Antarctic islands to Australia in 1947. Populated by large numbers of seal and bird species, the islands have been designated a nature preserve.
islands in the Indian Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Madagascar to Antarctica
total: 412 sq km
country comparison to the world: 203
land: 412 sq km
water: 0 sq km
slightly more than two times the size of Washington, DC
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
Heard Island - 80% ice-covered, bleak and mountainous, dominated by a large massif (Big Ben) and an active volcano (Mawson Peak); McDonald Islands - small and rocky
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mawson Peak on Big Ben volcano 2,745 m
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2011)
Mawson Peak, an active volcano, is on Heard Island
Mawson Peak on Heard Island is the highest Australian mountain (at 2,745 meters, it is taller than Mt. Kosciuszko in Australia proper), and one of only two active volcanoes located in Australian territory, the other being McDonald Island; in 1992, McDonald Island broke its dormancy and began erupting; it has erupted several times since, most recently in 2005
conventional long form: Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands
conventional short form: Heard Island and McDonald Islands
abbreviation: HIMI
territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (Australian Antarctic Division)
the laws of Australia, where applicable, apply
none (territory of Australia)
none (territory of Australia)
the flag of Australia is used
The islands have no indigenous economic activity, but the Australian Government allows limited fishing in the surrounding waters. Visits to Heard Island typically focus on terrestrial and marine research and infrequent private expeditions.
102 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 208
none; offshore anchorage only
defense is the responsibility of Australia; Australia conducts fisheries patrols
