Introduction
Background
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
Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between northwestern Australia and Timor island
Geographic coordinates
12 14 S, 123 05 E
Area (sq km)
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 (sq km)
about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Land boundaries (km)
0 km
Coastline (km)
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 (m)
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) (2011)
Natural hazards
surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards
Environment - current issues
illegal killing of protected wildlife by traditional Indonesian fisherman, as well as fishing by non-traditional Indonesian vessels, are ongoing problems
Geography - note
Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983; Cartier Island Marine Reserve established in 2000
People and Society
Population
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 evolution and prospects (1950-2100)
Government
Country name
conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Dependency status
territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport
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
Economy - overview
no economic activity
Transportation
Ports and terminals
none; offshore anchorage only
Military
Military - note
defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force
Transnational Issues
Disputes - international
Australia has closed parts of the Ashmore and Cartier reserve to Indonesian traditional fishing; Indonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to Ashmore Reef
Largest cities of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
These are the 50 largest cities of Ashmore and Cartier Islands ordered based on their number of inhabitants.
| # | City | Population |
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