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Factors
From The World Factbook -- 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. Recent geological explorations have indicated promising petroleum formations.
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| Location: |
Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, northwest of Australia
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| Geographic coordinates: |
12 14 S, 123 05 E
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| Map references: |
Southeast Asia
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| 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
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| Area - comparative: |
about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
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| 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
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| Terrain: |
low with sand and coral
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| Elevation extremes: |
lowest point:
Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point:
unnamed location 3 m
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| Land use: |
arable land:
0%
permanent crops:
0%
permanent pastures:
0%
forests and woodland:
0%
other:
100% (all grass and sand)
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| Irrigated land: |
0 sq km (1993)
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| Natural hazards: |
surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards
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| Environment - current issues: |
NA
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| Geography - note: |
Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983
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| Population: |
no indigenous inhabitants
note:
there are only seasonal caretakers (July 2001 est.)
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| Country name: |
conventional long form:
Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
conventional short form:
Ashmore and Cartier Islands
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| Dependency status: |
territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Department of the Environment, Sport, and Territories
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| Legal system: |
the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia, where applicable, apply
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| Diplomatic representation in the US: |
none (territory of Australia)
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| Diplomatic representation from the US: |
none (territory of Australia)
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| Flag description: |
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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| Disputes - international: |
none
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* based on information from the CIA World Factbook
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