Coral Sea Islands Main Page · World Factbook Main Page |
Scattered over more than three-quarters of a million square kilometers of ocean, the Coral Sea Islands were declared a territory of Australia in 1969. They are uninhabited except for a small meteorological staff on the Willis Islets. Automated weather stations, beacons, and a lighthouse occupy many other islands and reefs. |
Location: | |
Oceania, islands in the Coral Sea, northeast of Australia |
Geographic Coordinates: | |
18 00 S, 152 00 E |
Area: | |
Total: less than 3 sq km Land: less than 3 sq km Water: 0 sq km Note: includes numerous small islands and reefs scattered over a sea area of about 780,000 sq km with the Willis Islets the most important |
Land Boundaries: | |
0 km |
Coastline: | |
3,095 km (Rank: 39) |
Maritime Claims: | |
Territorial sea: 3 nm Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm |
Climate: | |
Tropical |
Terrain: | |
Sand and coral reefs and islands (or cays) |
Elevation Extremes: | |
Lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Highest point: unnamed location on Cato Island 6 m |
Natural Resources: | |
NEGL |
Land Use: | |
Arable land: 0% Permanent crops: 0% Other: 100% (mostly grass or scrub cover) (2005) |
Irrigated Land: | |
0 sq km |
Natural Hazards: | |
Occasional tropical cyclones |
Environment - Current Issues: | |
No permanent freshwater resources |
Geography - Note: | |
Important nesting area for birds and turtles |
Population: | |
No indigenous inhabitants Note: there is a staff of three to four at the meteorological station on Willis Island (July 2007 est.) |
Country Name: | |
Conventional long form: Coral Sea Islands Territory Conventional short form: Coral Sea Islands |
Dependency Status: | |
Territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Department of Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government |
Legal System: | |
The legal system of Australia, where applicable, applies |
Diplomatic Representation in the US: | |
None (territory of Australia) |
Diplomatic Representation From the US: | |
None (territory of Australia) |
Flag Description: | |
The flag of Australia is used |
Affiliation: | |
(territory of Australia) |
Economy - Overview: | |
No economic activity |
Communications - Note: | |
There are automatic weather stations on many of the isles and reefs relaying data to the mainland |
Ports and Terminals: | |
None; offshore anchorage only |
Military - Note: | |
Defense is the responsibility of Australia |
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