| Ashmore and Cartier Islands (2002) | Ashmore and Cartier Islands (2005) | |
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| 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, is now a marine reserve. | 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, is now a marine reserve. | 
| Disputes - international | - | Indonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to Ashmore Reef; Australia closed the surrounding waters to Indonesian traditional fishing and created a national park in the region while continuing to prospect for hydrocarbons in the vicinity | 
| Land use | arable land: 0% 
 permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (all grass and sand) (1998 est.)  | 
				arable land: 0% 
 permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (all grass and sand) (2001)  | 
				
| Location | Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, northwest of Australia | Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between northwestern Australia and Timor island | 
| Maritime claims | contiguous zone: 12 NM 
 continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM  | 
				territorial sea: 12 nm 
 contiguous zone: 12 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm  | 
				
| Population | no indigenous inhabitants 
 note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh waster at Ashmore Reef's West Island  | 
				no indigenous inhabitants 
 note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh water at Ashmore Reef's West Island (July 2005 est.)  | 
				
| Waterways | none | - |