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Ashmore and Cartier Islands
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Background:
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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, is now a marine reserve. |
| Geography | Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
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Location:
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Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between north-western Australia and Timor island |
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Geographic coordinates: | 12 14 S, 123 05 E |
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Map references:
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Southeast Asia |
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Area:
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total: 5 sq km
note: includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island water: 0 sq km land: 5 sq km |
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Area - comparative:
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about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC |
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Land boundaries:
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0 km |
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Coastline:
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74.1 km |
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Maritime claims - as described in UNCLOS 1982 (see Notes and Definitions):
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territorial sea: 12 NM
contiguous zone: 12 NM exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation |
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Climate:
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tropical |
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Terrain:
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low with sand and coral |
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Elevation extremes:
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lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 3 m |
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Natural resources:
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fish |
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Land use:
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arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (all grass and sand) (1998 est.) |
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Irrigated land:
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0 sq km (1998 est.) |
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Natural hazards:
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surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards |
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Environment - current issues:
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NA |
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Geography - note:
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Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983 |
| People | Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
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Population:
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no indigenous inhabitants
note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh water at Ashmore Reef's West Island (July 2004 est.) |
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People - note:
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the landing of illegal immigrants from Indonesia's Rote Island has become an ongoing problem |
| Government | Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
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Country name:
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conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
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Dependency status:
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territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services |
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Legal system:
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the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia, where applicable, apply |
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Diplomatic representation in the US:
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none (territory of Australia) |
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Diplomatic representation from the US:
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none (territory of Australia) |
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Flag description:
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the flag of Australia is used |
| Economy | Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
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Economy - overview:
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no economic activity |
| Transportation | Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
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Waterways:
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none |
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Ports and harbors:
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none; offshore anchorage only |
| Military | Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
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Military - note:
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defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force |
| Transnational Issues | Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
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Disputes - international:
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Indonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to Ashmore Reef; Australia has closed the surrounding waters to Indonesian traditional fishing and has created a national park in the region while continuing to prospect for hydrocarbons in the vicinity |