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From: The CIA'sTHE WORLD FACTBOOK 1996

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Ashmore and Cartier Islands

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(territory of Australia)

Map

Location: 12 14 S, 123 05 E -- Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, northwest of Australia

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Flag

Description: the flag of Australia is used

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Geography

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 area: 5 sq km
land area: 5 sq km
comparative area: about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
note: includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island
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
International disputes: none
Climate: tropical
Terrain: low with sand and coral
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 3 m
Natural resources: fish
Land use:
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
meadows and pastures: 0%
forest and woodland: 0%
other: 100% (all grass and sand)
Irrigated land: 0 sq km
Environment:
current issues: NA
natural hazards: surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards
international agreements: NA
Geographic note: Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983

People

Population: no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are only seasonal caretakers

Government

Name of country:
conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Data code: AT
Type of government: territory of Australia administered by the Australian Ministry for the Environment, Sport, and Territories
Capital: none; administered from Canberra, Australia
Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia)
Independence: none (territory of Australia)
Legal system: relevant laws of the Northern Territory of Australia
Diplomatic representation in US: none (territory of Australia)
US diplomatic representation: none (territory of Australia)
Flag: the flag of Australia is used

Economy

Economic overview: no economic activity

Transportation

Ports: none; offshore anchorage only

Defense

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

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Original publicaton at http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/nsolo/wfb-all.htm (June 17, 1997).