Introduction ::Coral Sea Islands
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 ::Coral Sea Islands
Oceania, islands in the Coral Sea, northeast of Australia
18 00 S, 152 00 E
total: less than 3 sq km
country comparison to the world: 247
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
NA
0 km
3,095 km
territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
Current Weather
tropical
sand and coral reefs and islands (or cays)
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location on Cato Island 6 m
NEGL
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (mostly grass or scrub cover) (2005)
0 sq km
occasional tropical cyclones
no permanent fresh water resources
important nesting area for birds and turtles
People ::Coral Sea Islands
no indigenous inhabitants
note: there is a staff of three to four at the meteorological station on Willis Island (July 2007 est.)
Government ::Coral Sea Islands
conventional long form: Coral Sea Islands Territory
conventional short form: Coral Sea Islands
territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department
the laws of Australia where applicable apply
administered from Canberra by the Australian Attorney-General's Department
none (territory of Australia)
none (territory of Australia)
the flag of Australia is used
Economy ::Coral Sea Islands
no economic activity
Communications ::Coral Sea Islands
there are automatic weather stations on many of the isles and reefs relaying data to the mainland
Transportation ::Coral Sea Islands
none; offshore anchorage only
Military ::Coral Sea Islands
defense is the responsibility of Australia
Transnational Issues ::Coral Sea Islands
none