Country Profile: Ashmore and Cartier Islands

The Ashmore and Cartier Islands, located in the Indian Ocean between Australia and Timor, are a territory of Australia administered from Canberra. These islands are uninhabited with no permanent residents, but Indonesian fishermen have access to their resources. The islands hold a tropical climate and are protected as marine reserves, indicating their ecological significance. Governance falls under Australian law, and the islands are primarily known for their natural beauty and biodiversity.

Geography

The Ashmore and Cartier Islands are situated in Southeastern Asia, approximately 840 km from Darwin, Australia, and 610 km from Broome. The total area of the islands is only 5 square kilometers, characterized by low terrain composed of sand and coral. They have a tropical climate and are surrounded by marine hazards such as shoals and reefs.

5 sq km: Total land area
74.1 km: Coastline length
200 nm: Exclusive fishing zone
12 nm: Territorial sea limit
0 m: Lowest elevation (Indian Ocean)
5 m: Highest elevation (Cartier Island)

People and Society

There are no permanent inhabitants on Ashmore and Cartier Islands. However, Indonesian fishermen are permitted to access the lagoon at Ashmore Reef for fishing and replenishing water supplies. Access to certain islands is regulated and requires permits.

0: Permanent population
1: Permit system for East and Middle Islands

Environment

The islands face several environmental challenges including illegal hunting of protected wildlife, overfishing, and the impacts of climate change such as rising sea levels and ocean acidification. The surrounding waters and ecosystems are critical to marine biodiversity, prompting protective measures.

1: Established marine reserve (Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve in 1983)
1: Established marine reserve (Cartier Island Marine Reserve in 2000)
0%: Agricultural land use (2018 est.)

Government

Officially the Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands, these islands are a territory of Australia, administered by the Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport. The legal system is based on Commonwealth and Northern Territory laws.

1: Flag of Australia is used
1: Governed under Australian laws
0: Diplomatic representation in the US

Military and Security

The defense and security of Ashmore and Cartier Islands are the responsibility of Australia. This includes the protection of their marine resources and enforcement of laws governing fishing and environmental conservation.

1: Defense responsibility lies with Australia

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Area	5 sq km	Total land area
Population	0	No permanent inhabitants
Coastline	74.1 km	Length of coastline
Highest Point	5 m	Highest elevation (Cartier Island)
Lowest Point	0 m	Lowest elevation (Indian Ocean)