Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Introduction Geography People Government Economy Communications Transportation Military Transnational Issues
Introduction	Back To Top
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	Back To Top
Land boundaries: 0 km Climate: tropical Map references: Southeast Asia Geographic coordinates: 12 14 S, 123 05 E Natural resources: fish Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 3 m Terrain: low with sand and coral Geography - note: Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983; Cartier Island Marine Reserve established in 2000 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 Location: Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between northwestern Australia and Timor island Coastline: 74.1 km Area - comparative: about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC Irrigated land: 0 sq km Environment - current issues: illegal killing of protected wildlife by traditional Indonesian fisherman, as well as fishing by non-traditional Indonesian vessels, are ongoing problems Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation Natural hazards: surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (all grass and sand) (2005)
People	Back To Top
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	Back To Top
Diplomatic representation from the US: none (territory of Australia) Diplomatic representation in the US: none (territory of Australia) Dependency status: territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Attorney-General's Department Legal system: the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia, where applicable, apply Flag description: the flag of Australia is used Country name (Goverment): conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Economy	Back To Top
Economy - overview: no economic activity
Communications	Back To Top
Transportation	Back To Top
Ports and terminals: none; offshore anchorage only
Military	Back To Top
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force
Transnational Issues	Back To Top
Disputes - international: as the closest Australian territory to Indonesia, these islands became the target of human traffickers for the landing of illegal immigrants; in 2001, the Australian government removed these islands from the Australian Migration Zone making illegal arrivals ineligible for temporary visas and entry into Australia

Got something to say on this page? Feel free to post your comments ! Please limit your comments to discussions about the subject matter of the content. To report bugs or problems with the ExchangeRate.com web site, please use our contact form here. Thank You!