Background: Scattered over more than three-quarters of a million square kilometers of ocean the Coral Sea Islands were declared a territory of Australia in 1969. They are uninhabited except for a small meteorological staff on the Willis Islets. Automated weather stations beacons and a lighthouse occupy many other islands and reefs.

Geographic coordinates: 18 00 S 152 00 E

Map reference: Oceania

Area
Total: less than 3 km²
Rank: 248
Land: less than 3 km²
Water: 0 km²
Note: includes numerous small islands and reefs scattered over a sea area of about 780,000 km² with the Willis Islets the most important
Comparative: NA

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 3,095 km

Maritime claims
Territorial sea: 3 nm
Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate: tropical

Terrain: sand and coral reefs and islands (or cays)

Elevation
Extremes lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
Extremes highest point: unnamed location on Cato Island 6 m

Natural resources: NEGL

Land use
Arable land: 0%
Permanent crops: 0%
Other: 100% (mostly grass or scrub cover) (2005)

Irrigated land: 0 km²

Natural hazards: occasional tropical cyclones

Geography
Note: important nesting area for birds and turtles

Population: no indigenous inhabitants
Note: there is a staff of three to four at the meteorological station on Willis Island (July 2007 est.)

Environment
Current issues: no permanent freshwater resources

Country name
Conventional long form: Coral Sea Islands Territory
Conventional short form: Coral Sea Islands

Legal system: the legal system of Australia where applicable applies

Diplomatic representation
In the us: none (territory of Australia)
From the us: none (territory of Australia)

Flag description: the flag of Australia is used

Economy overview: no economic activity

Ports and terminals: none; offshore anchorage only

Disputes international: none