ort east of Oranjestad accepts
transatlantic flights (1995 est.)

Communications
--------------

Telephones: 22,922 (1993 est.)

Telephone system:
domestic: more than adequate
international: 1 submarine cable to Sint Maarten (Netherlands
Antilles); extensive interisland microwave radio relay links

Radio broadcast stations: AM 4, FM 4, shortwave 0

Radios: NA

Television broadcast stations: 1

Televisions: 19,000 (1993 est.)

Defense
-------

Defense note: defense is the responsibility of the Netherlands

======================================================================

@Ashmore and Cartier Islands
---------------------------

(territory of Australia)

Map
---

Location: 12 14 S, 123 05 E -- Southeastern Asia, islands in the
Indian Ocean, northwest of Australia

Flag
----

Description: the flag of Australia is used

Geography
---------

Location: Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean,
northwest of Australia

Geographic coordinates: 12 14 S, 123 05 E

Map references: Southeast Asia

Area:
total area: 5 sq km
land area: 5 sq km
comparative area: about eight times the size of The Mall in
Washington, DC
note: includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and
Cartier Island

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 74.1 km

Maritime claims:
contiguous zone: 12 nm
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 3 nm

International disputes: none

Climate: tropical

Terrain: low with sand and coral
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 3 m

Natural resources: fish

Land use:
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
meadows and pastures: 0%
forest and woodland: 0%
other: 100% (all grass and sand)

Irrigated land: 0 sq km

Environment:
current issues: NA
natural hazards: surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose
maritime hazards
international agreements: NA

Geographic note: Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established
in August 1983

People
------

Population: no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are only
seasonal caretakers

Government
----------

Name of country:
conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Data code: AT

Type of government: territory of A