Heard Island and McDonald Islands Population: uninhabited
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| History | |
| The UK transferred these uninhabited, barren, sub-Antarctic islands to Australia in 1947. Populated by large numbers of seal and bird species, the islands have been designated a nature preserve. |
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| Geography | |
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| Location: | islands in the Indian Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Madagascar to Antarctica |
| Geographic coordinates: | 53 06 S, 72 31 E |
| Area: | total: 412 sq km land: 412 sq km water: 0 sq km Size comparison: slightly more than two times the size of Washington, DC |
| Land Boundaries: | 0 km |
| Coastline: | 101.9 km |
| Maritime claims: | territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm |
| Climate: | antarctic |
| Terrain: | Heard Island - 80% ice-covered, bleak and mountainous, dominated by a large massif (Big Ben) and an active volcano (Mawson Peak); McDonald Islands - small and rocky |
| Natural resources: | fish |
| Land use: | agricultural land: 0% (2011 est.) arable land: 0% (2011 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2011 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2011 est.) forest: 0% (2011 est.) other: 100% (2011 est.) |
| Natural hazards: | Mawson Peak, an active volcano, is on Heard Island |
| Current Environment Issues: | none; uninhabited and mostly ice covered |
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| People | |
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| Population: | uninhabited |
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| Government | |
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| Country name: | conventional long form: Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands conventional short form: Heard Island and McDonald Islands abbreviation: HIMI etymology: named after American Captain John HEARD, who sighted the island on 25 November 1853, and American Captain William McDONALD, who discovered the islands on 4 January 1854 |
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| Legal system: | the laws of Australia, where applicable, apply |
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| Diplomatic representation in the US: | none (territory of Australia) |
| Diplomatic representation from the US: | none (territory of Australia) |
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| Economy | |
The islands have no indigenous economic activity, but the Australian Government allows limited fishing in the surrounding waters. Visits to Heard Island typically focus on terrestrial and marine research and infrequent private expeditions. | |
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| Internet country code: | .hm |
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| Ports and terminals: | none; offshore anchorage only |
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| Military | |
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| Defense is the responsibility of Australia; Australia conducts fisheries patrols | |
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| Disputes - International: | none |
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