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.

Oceania, islands in the Coral Sea, northeast of Australia
18 00 S, 152 00 E
Oceania
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 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
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
no indigenous inhabitants ; note: there is a staff of three to four at the meteorological station on Willis Island (July 2007 est.)




















conventional long form: Coral Sea Islands Territory ; conventional short form: Coral Sea Islands







the laws of Australia, where applicable, apply

administered from Canberra by the Department of the Transport and Regional Services





the flag of Australia is used
none (territory of Australia)
none (territory of Australia)
territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Department of the Transport and Regional Services




no economic activity





























































there are automatic weather stations on many of the isles and reefs relaying data to the mainland









none; offshore anchorage only







defense is the responsibility of Australia; visited regularly by the Royal Australian Navy; Australia has control over the activities of visitors
none



