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Ashmore and Cartier Islands

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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.
Location
Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between northwestern Australia and Timor island
Geographic coordinates
12 14 S, 123 05 E
Map references
Southeast Asia
Area
total
5 sq km
land
5 sq km
water
0 sq km
note
includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island
Area - comparative
about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Land boundaries
0 km
Coastline
74.1 km
Maritime claims
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) (2005)
Irrigated land
0 sq km
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

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

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 - overview
no economic activity
Ports and terminals
none; offshore anchorage only
Military - note
defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force
Disputes - international
Indonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to these islands; Australia closed parts of the Ashmore and Cartier Reserve to Indonesian traditional fishing and placed restrictions on certain catches

Sorry, No data available for this section.

Ports and terminals
none; offshore anchorage only

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

Disputes - international
Indonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to these islands; Australia closed parts of the Ashmore and Cartier Reserve to Indonesian traditional fishing and placed restrictions on certain catches

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