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.

islands in the Indian Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Madagascar to Antarctica
53 06 S, 72 31 E
Antarctic Region
total: 412 sq km ; land: 412 sq km ; water: 0 sq km
slightly more than two times the size of Washington, DC
0 km
101.9 km
territorial sea: 12 nm ; exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
antarctic
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
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m ; highest point: Mawson Peak, on Big Ben 2,745 m
fish
arable land: 0% ; permanent crops: 0% ; other: 100% (2005)
0 sq km


Mawson Peak, an active volcano, is on Heard Island
NA


uninhabited




















conventional long form: Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands ; conventional short form: Heard Island and McDonald Islands ; abbreviation: HIMI







the laws of Australia, where applicable, apply







the flag of Australia is used
none (territory of Australia)
none (territory of Australia)
territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Antarctic Division of the Department of the Environment and Heritage




The islands have no indigenous economic activity, but the Australian Government allows limited fishing in the surrounding waters.

























































.hm













none; offshore anchorage only







defense is the responsibility of Australia; Australia conducts fisheries patrols
none



