|
|
|
| Heard Island and McDonald Islands |
Flag:
 |
Map:
 |
| Background: These uninhabited, barren, sub-Antarctic islands were transferred from the UK to Australia in 1947. Populated by large numbers of seal and bird species, the islands have been designated a nature preserve. |
| Geography and Environmental |
| Area Total: 412 sq km |
| Area Land: 412 sq km |
| Area Water: 0 sq km |
| Area Comparative: slightly more than two times the size of Washington, DC |
| Coastline: 101.9 km |
| 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 |
| Elevation Extremes Lowest Point: Indian Ocean 0 m |
| Elevation Extremes Highest Point: Mawson Peak, on Big Ben 2,745 m |
| Natural Resources: fish |
| Land Use Arable Land: 0% |
| Land Use Permanent Crops: 0% |
| Land Use Other: 100% (2005) |
| Irrigated Land: 0 sq km |
| Natural Hazards: Mawson Peak, an active volcano, is on Heard Island |
| Environment Current Issues: NA |
| Population |
| Population: uninhabited |
| Legal System: the laws of Australia, where applicable, apply |
| Economy |
| Overview: The islands have no indigenous economic activity, but the Australian Government allows limited fishing in the surrounding waters. |
| Energy |
| Communications |
| Transportation |
| Disputes International: none |
|
|
|