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Australia-Oceania :: Ashmore and Cartier Islands (territory of Australia)

- ## Introduction :: ASHMORE AND CARTIER ISLANDS

- 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 :: ASHMORE AND CARTIER ISLANDS

- 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
  country comparison to the world: 250
  Area - comparative:
  about eight times the size of the National 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:
  agricultural land: 0%
  forest: 0%
  other: 100% (all grass and sand) (2011 est.)
  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 :: ASHMORE AND CARTIER ISLANDS

- 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

- ## Government :: ASHMORE AND CARTIER ISLANDS

- 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 :: ASHMORE AND CARTIER ISLANDS

- Economy - overview:
  no economic activity

- ## Transportation :: ASHMORE AND CARTIER ISLANDS

- Ports and terminals:
  none; offshore anchorage only

- ## Military :: ASHMORE AND CARTIER ISLANDS

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

- ## Transnational Issues :: ASHMORE AND CARTIER ISLANDS

- 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

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