World Factbook
Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Introduction
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, became a marine reserve in 2000.
Geography
Location
Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between northwestern Australia and Timor island
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
country comparison to the world: 250
Area - comparative
about eight times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC
Land boundaries
0 km
Coastline
74.1 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12nm
contiguous zone: 12nm
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
exclusive fishing zone: 200nm
Climate
tropical
Terrain
low with sand and coral
Elevation
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Cartier Island 5 m
Natural resources
fish
Land use
0% (2014 est.)
Natural hazards
surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards
Environment - current issues
illegal killing of protected wildlife by traditional Indonesian fisherman, as well as fishing by non-traditional Indonesian vessels, are ongoing problems; sea level rise, changes in sea temperature, and ocean acidification are concerns; marine debris
Geography - note
Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983; Cartier Island Marine Reserve established in 2000
People and Society
Population
no indigenous inhabitants
note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh water at Ashmore Reef's West Island; access to East and Middle Islands is by permit only
Government
Country name
conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands
etymology: named after British Captain Samuel ASHMORE, who first sighted his namesake island in 1811, and after the ship Cartier, from which the second island was discovered in 1800
Dependency status
territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport
Legal system
the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia, where applicable, apply
Citizenship
see Australia
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
Economy
Economy - overview
no economic activity
Military and Security
Military - note
defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force
Transportation
Ports and terminals
none; offshore anchorage only
Transnational Issues
Disputes - international
Australia has closed parts of the Ashmore and Cartier reserve to Indonesian traditional fishing; Indonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to Ashmore Reef
