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Background:
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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:
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Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway
between northwestern Australia and Timor island |
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Geographic coordinates:
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12 14 S,
123 05 E |
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Map references:
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Southeast
Asia |
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Area:
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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:
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about
eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC |
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Land boundaries:
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0 km |
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Coastline:
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74.1 km
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Maritime claims:
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territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 12 nm
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of
exploitation
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm |
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Climate:
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tropical
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Terrain:
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low with
sand and coral |
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Elevation extremes:
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lowest
point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 3 m |
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Natural resources:
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fish |
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Land use:
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arable
land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (all grass and sand) (2001) |
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Irrigated land:
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0 sq km
(1998 est.) |
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Natural hazards:
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surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime
hazards |
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Environment - current issues:
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NA |
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Geography - note:
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Ashmore
Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983
|
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Population:
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no
indigenous inhabitants
note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to
the lagoon and fresh water at Ashmore Reef's West Island
(July 2005 est.) |
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People - note:
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the
landing of illegal immigrants from Indonesia's Rote
Island has become an ongoing problem |
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Country name:
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conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and
Cartier Islands
conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier
Islands |
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Dependency status:
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territory
of Australia; administered by the Australian Department
of Transport and Regional Services |
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Legal system:
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the laws
of the Commonwealth of Australia and the laws of the
Northern Territory of Australia, where applicable, apply
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Diplomatic representation in the US:
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none
(territory of Australia) |
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Diplomatic representation from the US:
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none
(territory of Australia) |
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Flag description:
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the flag
of Australia is used |
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Economy - overview:
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no
economic activity |
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Ports and terminals:
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none;
offshore anchorage only |
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Military - note:
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defense
is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by
the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force
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Disputes - international:
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Indonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to Ashmore
Reef; Australia closed the surrounding waters to
Indonesian traditional fishing and created a national
park in the region while continuing to prospect for
hydrocarbons in the vicinity |
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