Careers, Opportunities in Ministry
| Introduction | 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. Cartier Island, a former bombing range,
is now a marine reserve. |
| Geography |
|
Location:
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Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between north-western Australia and Timor island |
|
Map references:
|
Southeast Asia |
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Area:
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total: 5 sq
km note: includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island water: 0 sq km land: 5 sq km |
|
Area - comparative:
|
about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC |
|
Land boundaries:
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0 km |
|
Coastline:
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74.1 km |
|
Climate:
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tropical |
|
Terrain:
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low with sand and coral |
|
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 |
|
Land use:
|
arable land:
0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (all grass and sand) (1998 est.) |
|
Irrigated land:
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0 sq km (1998 est.) |
|
Natural hazards:
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surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards |
|
Environment - current issues:
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NA |
|
Geography - note:
|
Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983 |
| People |
|
Population:
|
no indigenous
inhabitants note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh water at Ashmore Reef's West Island (July 2004 est.) |
|
People - note:
|
the landing of illegal immigrants from Indonesia's Rote Island has become an ongoing problem |
| Government |
|
Country name:
|
conventional
long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
|
Dependency status:
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territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services |
|
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 |
|
Diplomatic representation in the US:
|
none (territory of Australia) |
|
Diplomatic representation from the US:
|
none (territory of Australia) |
| Economy |
|
Economy - overview:
|
no economic activity |
| Transportation |
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Waterways:
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none |
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Ports and harbors:
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none; offshore anchorage only |
| Military |
|
Military - note:
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defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force |
| Transnational Issues |
|
Disputes - international:
|
Indonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to Ashmore Reef; Australia has closed the surrounding waters to Indonesian traditional fishing and has created a national park in the region while continuing to prospect for hydrocarbons in the vicinity |
This page was last updated on 11 May, 2004