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 became a marine reserve in 2000.

Geographic coordinates: 12 14 S 123 05 E

Area
Rank: 247
Land: 5 km²
Water: 0 km²
Comparative: about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington DC

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 74.1 km

Maritime claims
Contiguous zone: 12 nm
Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
Continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate: tropical

Terrain: low with sand and coral

Elevation
Extremes highest point: unnamed location 3 m

Natural resources: fish

Land use
Permanent crops: 0%
Other: 100% (all grass and sand) (2011)

Natural hazards: surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards

Geography
Note: Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983; Cartier Island Marine Reserve established in 2000

Population: no indigenous inhabitants

Environment
Current issues: illegal killing of protected wildlife by traditional Indonesian fisherman as well as fishing by non-traditional Indonesian vessels are ongoing problems

Country name
Conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Legal system: 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)
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: Australia has closed parts of the Ashmore and Cartier reserve to Indonesian traditional fishing; Indonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to Ashmore Reef