(territory of Australia)
Geography
Location:
Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, northwest of Australia
Geographic coordinates:
12 14 S, 123 05 E
Map references:
Southeast Asia
Area:
total area:
5 sq km
land area:
5 sq km
comparative area:
about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
note:
includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island
Land boundaries:
0 km
Coastline:
74.1 km
Maritime claims:
contiguous zone:
12 nm
continental shelf:
200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
exclusive fishing zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
3 nm
International disputes:
none
Climate:
tropical
Terrain:
low with sand and coral
lowest point:
Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point:
unnamed location 3 m
Natural resources:
fish
Land use:
arable land:
0%
permanent crops:
0%
meadows and pastures:
0%
forest and woodland:
0%
other:
100% (all grass and sand)
Irrigated land:
0 sq km
Environment:
current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards
international agreements:
NA
Geographic note:
Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983
