CIA World Fact Book, 2004/Ashmore and Cartier Islands


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!| 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, is now a marine reserve.
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!| Location: !| Geographic coordinates: !| Map references: !| Area: note: includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island water: 0 sq km land: 5 sq km !| Area - comparative: !| Land boundaries: !| Coastline: !| Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation !| Climate: !| Terrain: !| Elevation extremes: highest point: unnamed location 3 m !| Natural resources: !| Land use: permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (all grass and sand) (2001) !| Irrigated land: !| Natural hazards: !| Environment - current issues: !| Geography - note:
 * Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between north-western Australia and Timor island
 * 12 14 S, 123 05 E
 * Southeast Asia
 * total: 5 sq km
 * about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
 * 0 km
 * 74.1 km
 * territorial sea: 12 nm
 * tropical
 * low with sand and coral
 * lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
 * fish
 * arable land: 0%
 * 0 sq km (1998 est.)
 * surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards
 * NA
 * Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983
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!| Population: note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh water at Ashmore Reef's West Island (July 2004 est.) !| People - note:
 * no indigenous inhabitants
 * the landing of illegal immigrants from Indonesia's Rote Island has become an ongoing problem
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!| Country name: conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands !| Dependency status: !| Legal system: !| Diplomatic representation in the US: !| Diplomatic representation from the US: !| Flag description:
 * conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
 * territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services
 * the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia, where applicable, apply
 * none (territory of Australia)
 * none (territory of Australia)
 * the flag of Australia is used
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!| Economy - overview:
 * no economic activity
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!| Ports and harbors:
 * none; offshore anchorage only
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!| Military - note:
 * defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force
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