Bouvet Island (2003) | Ashmore and Cartier Islands (2006) | |
Area | total: 58.5 sq km
land: 58.5 sq km water: 0 sq km |
total: 5 sq km
land: 5 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island |
Area - comparative | about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC | about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC |
Background | This uninhabited volcanic island is almost entirely covered by glaciers and is difficult to approach. It was discovered in 1739 by a French naval officer after whom the island was named. No claim was made until 1825, when the British flag was raised. In 1928, the UK waived its claim in favor of Norway, which had occupied the island the previous year. In 1971, Bouvet Island and the adjacent territorial waters were designated a nature reserve. Since 1977, Norway has run an automated meteorological station on the island. | 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. |
Climate | antarctic | tropical |
Coastline | 29.6 km | 74.1 km |
Country name | conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Bouvet Island |
conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands |
Dependency status | territory of Norway; administered by the Polar Department of the Ministry of Justice and Police from Oslo | territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services |
Diplomatic representation from the US | - | none (territory of Australia) |
Diplomatic representation in the US | - | none (territory of Australia) |
Disputes - international | none | Indonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to Ashmore Reef; Australia has 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 |
Economy - overview | no economic activity; declared a nature reserve | no economic activity |
Elevation extremes | lowest point: South Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Olav Peak 935 m |
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 3 m |
Environment - current issues | NA | NA |
Flag description | the flag of Norway is used | the flag of Australia is used |
Geographic coordinates | 54 26 S, 3 24 E | 12 14 S, 123 05 E |
Geography - note | covered by glacial ice; declared a nature reserve | Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983 |
Irrigated land | 0 sq km (1998 est.) | 0 sq km |
Land boundaries | 0 km | 0 km |
Land use | arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (93% ice) (1998 est.) |
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (all grass and sand) (2005) |
Legal system | the laws of Norway, where applicable, apply | the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia, where applicable, apply |
Location | island in the South Atlantic Ocean, southwest of the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) | Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between northwestern Australia and Timor island |
Map references | Antarctic Region | Southeast Asia |
Maritime claims | territorial sea: 4 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 |
Military - note | defense is the responsibility of Norway | defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force |
Natural hazards | NA | surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards |
Natural resources | none | fish |
People - note | - | the landing of illegal immigrants from Indonesia's Rote Island has become an ongoing problem |
Population | uninhabited (July 2003 est.) | no indigenous inhabitants
note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh water at Ashmore Reef's West Island (July 2006 est.) |
Ports and harbors | none; offshore anchorage only | - |
Terrain | volcanic; coast is mostly inaccessible | low with sand and coral |
Waterways | none | - |