Country Profile: Ashmore and Cartier Islands

The Ashmore and Cartier Islands are a territory of Australia located in the Indian Ocean, known for their strategic maritime position between Australia and Timor Island. These islands are uninhabited but have historical significance, having been annexed by the UK in the late 19th and early 20th centuries before being transferred to Australia. The economy is primarily reliant on fishing, while governance falls under Australian federal control. Environmental issues, particularly related to marine ecology, pose ongoing challenges for the region.

Geography

The Ashmore and Cartier Islands are situated in southeastern Asia, approximately midway between northwestern Australia and Timor Island. The islands cover a total area of just 5 sq km, consisting of Ashmore Reef and Cartier Island. Both are characterized by low elevation, sandy terrain, and a tropical climate, with no permanent land boundaries or significant freshwater resources.

840 km west of Darwin
610 km north of Broome
5 m is the highest point on Cartier Island
0% of land is used for agriculture (2018 estimate)
Connected by a coastline of 74.1 km

People and Society

There are no permanent inhabitants on the Ashmore and Cartier Islands, although Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to fish and utilize freshwater at Ashmore Reef's West Island. Access to other islands is restricted and requires a permit.

0 permanent residents
Access for Indonesian fishermen is regulated

Economy

The islands have no formal economy, with fishing as the primary activity. The surrounding waters are rich in marine biodiversity, offering fishing opportunities, especially for local Indonesian fishermen.

Government

The Ashmore and Cartier Islands are a territory of Australia, administered from Canberra by the Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport. The legal system follows Australian Commonwealth laws, with the Australian flag representing the islands.

Officially named the Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Governance transferred to federal government in 1978
Administered under laws of the Commonwealth of Australia

Military and Security

Defense and security duties for the Ashmore and Cartier Islands are the responsibility of Australia. There is no separate military presence on the islands.

Defense is managed by Australia

Environment

The environmental landscape of the islands is facing challenges including illegal wildlife killings, overfishing, and climate change impacts, such as sea-level rise and ocean acidification. Efforts are in place to protect marine reserves that were established in the 1980s and 2000s.

Issues include illegal wildlife killing and overfishing
Established as marine reserves in 1983 and 2000

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Area	5 sq km	Total land area
Population	0	No permanent inhabitants
Coastline	74.1 km	Total length of coastline
Highest Point	5 m	Elevation at Cartier Island
Agricultural Land	0%	Land used for agriculture (2018)