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Heard Island and McDonald Islands

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These uninhabited, barren, sub-Antarctic islands were transferred from the UK to Australia in 1947. Populated by large numbers of seal and bird species, the islands have been designated a nature preserve.
Location
islands in the Indian Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Madagascar to Antarctica
Geographic coordinates
53 06 S, 72 31 E
Map references
Antarctic Region
Area
total
412 sq km
land
412 sq km
water
0 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly more than two times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries
0 km
Coastline
101.9 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea
12 nm
exclusive fishing zone
200 nm
Climate
antarctic
Terrain
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
Elevation extremes
lowest point
Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point
Mawson Peak, on Big Ben 2,745 m
Natural resources
fish
Land use
arable land
0%
permanent crops
0%
other
100% (2005)
Irrigated land
0 sq km
Natural hazards
Mawson Peak, an active volcano, is on Heard Island
Environment - current issues
NA

Population
uninhabited

Country name
conventional long form
Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands
conventional short form
Heard Island and McDonald Islands
abbreviation
HIMI
Dependency status
territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Antarctic Division of the Department of the Environment and Heritage
Legal system
the laws 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
The islands have no indigenous economic activity, but the Australian Government allows limited fishing in the surrounding waters.

Internet country code
.hm

Ports and terminals
none; offshore anchorage only

Military - note
defense is the responsibility of Australia; Australia conducts fisheries patrols

Disputes - international
none

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