Coral Sea Islands

Coral Sea Islands

Introduction

Background

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.

Geography

Location

Oceania, islands in the Coral Sea, northeast of Australia

Geographic coordinates

18 00 S, 152 00 E

Map references

Oceania

Area

total: less than 3 sq km
country comparison to the world: 248 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

Area – comparative

NA

Land boundaries

0 km

Coastline

3,095 km

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

People and Society

Population

no indigenous inhabitants
note:there is a staff of three to four at the meteorological station on Willis Island (July 2007 est.)

Government

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

Economy

Economy – overview

no economic activity

Transportation

Ports and terminals

none

offshore anchorage only

Military

Military – note

defense is the responsibility of Australia

Transnational Issues

Disputes – international

none

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