NAVIGATION
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NAVIGATION
Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
INTRODUCTION
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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. |
GEOGRAPHY
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Location:
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Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, northwest of Australia |
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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
note: includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island water: 0 sq km land: 5 sq km |
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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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contiguous zone: 12 NM
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation territorial sea: 12 NM 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) (1998 est.) |
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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 |
PEOPLE
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Population:
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no indigenous inhabitants
note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh waster at Ashmore Reef's West Island |
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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 |