Country Profile: Ashmore and Cartier Islands

The Ashmore and Cartier Islands are a tropical territory located in the Indian Ocean, positioned between northwestern Australia and Timor island. With no permanent inhabitants, the islands predominantly serve as a marine reserve and a temporary refuge for Indonesian fishermen. Governed by Australia, these islands play a limited role in the economy but are significant for biodiversity conservation and maritime security.

Geography

The Ashmore and Cartier Islands are situated in Southeast Asia, approximately 840 km west of Darwin and 610 km north of Broome. Covering an area of 5 square kilometers, the islands include Ashmore Reef, which comprises West, Middle, and East Islets, and Cartier Island. The terrain is low-lying, characterized by sandy and coral formations, and surrounded by maritime hazards such as shoals and reefs.

4: The total area is 5 sq km.
74.1 km: Length of the coastline.
12 nm: Territorial sea claim.
0%: Agricultural land usage, indicative of limited land cultivation.
5 m: The highest elevation point on Cartier Island.

People and Society

The Ashmore and Cartier Islands have no permanent population. However, Indonesian fishermen are permitted to access the lagoon of Ashmore Reef for fishing and fresh water, while visits to East and Middle Islands require a permit. This unique governance allows for both traditional fishing practices and the preservation of the islands' ecological integrity.

0: Permanent inhabitants; the islands are uninhabited.

Environment

Environmental concerns on the islands include illegal wildlife killings, overfishing, and the effects of climate change such as sea-level rise and ocean acidification. The islands' tropical climate supports a diverse marine ecosystem, but ongoing environmental threats necessitate protective measures. Both Ashmore Reef and Cartier Island have been designated as marine reserves to help safeguard their natural resources.

1983: Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve was established.
2000: Cartier Island Marine Reserve was designated.
0%: Agricultural land usage reflects limited human impact on the land.

Government

The official name of the islands is the Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands, governed as a territory of Australia. The legal system applies the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the Northern Territory where applicable. Administrative control is based in Canberra and managed by the Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport.

1934: Year Australia accepted governance of the islands from the UK.
1978: Control was transferred to the federal government.
0: Diplomatic representation from the US, as the islands are under Australian administration.

Military and Security

The defense and security of the Ashmore and Cartier Islands fall under the responsibility of the Australian government. This includes monitoring maritime activities and ensuring the protection of the islands' ecological zones from illegal fishing and other threats.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	0	No permanent inhabitants
Area	5 sq km	Total land area of the islands
Coastline	74.1 km	Length of the islands' coastline