Background: The United Kingdom transferred these uninhabited barren sub-Antarctic islands to Australia in 1947. Populated by large numbers of seal and bird species the islands have been designated a nature preserve.

Geographic coordinates: 53 06 S 72 31 E

Area
Rank: 203
Land: 412 km²
Water: 0 km²
Comparative: slightly more than two times the size of Washington DC

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 101.9 km

Maritime claims
Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate: antarctic

Terrain: Heard Island - 80% ice-covered bleak and mountainous dominated by a large massif (Big Ben) and an active volcano (Mawson Peak); McDonald Islands - small and rocky

Elevation
Extremes highest point: Mawson Peak on Big Ben volcano 2,745 m

Natural resources: fish

Land use
Permanent crops: 0%
Other: 100% (2011)

Irrigated land: 0 km² (2011)

Natural hazards: Mawson Peak an active volcano is on Heard Island

Geography
Note: Mawson Peak on Heard Island is the highest Australian mountain (at 2,745 meters it is taller than Mt. Kosciuszko in Australia proper) and one of only two active volcanoes located in Australian territory the other being McDonald Island; in 1992 McDonald Island broke its dormancy and began erupting; it has erupted several times since most recently in 2005

Population: uninhabited

Environment
Current issues: NA

Country name
Conventional short form: Heard Island and McDonald Islands
Abbreviation: HIMI

Legal system: the laws 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: The islands have no indigenous economic activity but the Australian Government allows limited fishing in the surrounding waters. Visits to Heard Island typically focus on terrestrial and marine research and infrequent private expeditions.

Internet
Country code: .hm
Hosts: 102 (2012)
Hosts rank: 208

Ports and terminals: none; offshore anchorage only

Disputes international: none