Factbook Logo Ashmore and Cartier Islands
(territory of Australia)		 Flag of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
   Introduction   Geography   People   Government   Economy   Transportation   Military   Transnational Issues  
Map of Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Ashmore and Cartier Islands    Introduction Top of Page
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. Recent geological explorations have indicated promising petroleum formations.
Ashmore and Cartier Islands    Geography Top of Page
Location: Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, northwest of Australia
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: contiguous zone:  12 NM

continental shelf:  200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive fishing zone:  200 NM

territorial sea:  3 NM
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%

permanent pastures:  0%

forests and woodland:  0%

other:  100% (all grass and sand)
Irrigated land: 0 sq km (1993)
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
Ashmore and Cartier Islands    People Top of Page
Population: no indigenous inhabitants

note:  there are only seasonal caretakers (July 2001 est.)
Ashmore and Cartier Islands    Government Top of Page
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 Australian Department of the Environment, Sport, and Territories
Legal system: 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
Ashmore and Cartier Islands    Economy Top of Page
Economy - overview: no economic activity
Ashmore and Cartier Islands    Transportation Top of Page
Waterways: none
Ports and harbors: none; offshore anchorage only
Ashmore and Cartier Islands    Military Top of Page
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force
Ashmore and Cartier Islands    Transnational Issues Top of Page
Disputes - international: none