Australia - Oceania :: Ashmore and Cartier Islands

- 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
  continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
  exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
  Climate:
  tropical
  Terrain:
  low with sand and coral
  Elevation:
  0 m lowest point: Indian Ocean
  5 highest point: Cartier Island
  Natural resources:
  fish
  Land use:
  0% (2014 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; sea level rise, changes in sea temperature, and ocean acidification are concerns; marine debris
  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
  etymology: named after British Captain Samuel ASHMORE, who first sighted his namesake island in 1811, and after the ship Cartier, from which the second island was discovered in 1800
  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
  Citizenship:
  see Australia
  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 and Security :: 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 fishingIndonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to Ashmore Reef