World Factbook
Heard Island and McDonald Islands
Introduction
Background
The UK transferred these uninhabited, barren, sub-Antarctic islands to Australia in 1947. Populated by large numbers of seal and bird species, the islands have been designated a nature preserve.
Geography
Location
islands in the Indian Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Madagascar to Antarctica
Geographic coordinates
53 06 S, 72 31 E
Map references
Antarctic Region
Area
total: 412 sq km
land: 412 sq km
water: 0 sq km
country comparison to the world: 203
Area - comparative
slightly more than two times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries
0 km
Coastline
101.9 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200nm
Climate
antarctic
Terrain
Heard Island - 80% ice-covered, bleak and mountainous, dominated by a large massif (Big Ben) and an active volcano (Mawson Peak); McDonald Islands - small and rocky
Elevation
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mawson Peak on Big Ben volcano 2,745 m
Natural resources
fish
Land use
agricultural land: 0% (2011 est.)
arable land: 0% (2011 est.)/permanent crops: 0% (2011 est.)/permanent pasture: 0% (2011 est.)
forest: 0% (2011 est.)
other: 100% (2011 est.)
Natural hazards
Mawson Peak, an active volcano, is on Heard Island
Environment - current issues
none; uninhabited and mostly ice covered
Geography - note
Mawson Peak on Heard Island is the highest Australian mountain (at 2,745 meters, it is taller than Mt. Kosciuszko in Australia proper), and one of only two active volcanoes located in Australian territory, the other being McDonald Island; in 1992, McDonald Island broke its dormancy and began erupting; it has erupted several times since, most recently in 2005
People and Society
Population
uninhabited
Government
Country name
conventional long form: Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands
conventional short form: Heard Island and McDonald Islands
abbreviation: HIMI
etymology: named after American Captain John HEARD, who sighted the island on 25 November 1853, and American Captain William McDONALD, who discovered the islands on 4 January 1854
Dependency status
territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (Australian Antarctic Division)
Legal system
the laws of Australia apply where applicable
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
The islands have no indigenous economic activity, but the Australian Government allows limited fishing in the surrounding waters. Visits to Heard Island typically focus on terrestrial and marine research and infrequent private expeditions.
Communications
Internet country code
.hm
Military and Security
Military - note
defense is the responsibility of Australia; Australia conducts fisheries patrols
Transportation
Ports and terminals
none; offshore anchorage only
Transnational Issues
Disputes - international
none
