Coral Sea Islands 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 land: less than 3 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes numerous small islands and reefs scattered over a sea area of about 1 million sq km, with the Willis Islets the most important AreaÑcomparative: NA Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 3,095 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 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% permanent pastures: 0% forests and woodland: 0% other: 100% (mostly grass or scrub cover) Irrigated land: 0 sq km (1993) Natural hazards: occasional, tropical cyclones EnvironmentÑcurrent issues: no permanent fresh water resources EnvironmentÑinternational agreements: party to: NA signed, but not ratified: NA GeographyÑnote: important nesting area for birds and turtles People Population: no indigenous inhabitants note: there is a staff of three to four at the meteorological station Government Country name: conventional long form: Coral Sea Islands Territory conventional short form: Coral Sea Islands Data code: CR Dependency status: territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories Legal system: the laws of Australia, where applicable, apply Executive branch: administered from Canberra by the Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories 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 EconomyÑoverview: no economic activity Communications CommunicationsÑnote: there are automatic weather relay stations on many of the isles and reefs relaying data to the mainland Transportation Ports and harbors: none; offshore anchorage only Military MilitaryÑnote: defense is the responsibility of Australia; visited regularly by the Royal Australian Navy; Australia has control over the activities of visitors Transnational Issues DisputesÑinternational: none