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 Location :islands in the Indian Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Madagascar to Antarctica Geographic coordinates :53 06 S, 72 31 E Map references :Antarctic Region Area :total: 412 sq km land: 412 sq km water: 0 sq kmArea—comparative :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 nmClimate :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 highest point: Mawson Peak, on Big Ben 2,745 mNatural resources :fish Land use :arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (2005)Irrigated land :0 sq km Natural hazards :Mawson Peak, an active volcano, is on Heard Island Environment—current issues :NA People Population :uninhabited Government Country name :conventional long form: Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands conventional short form: Heard Island and McDonald Islands abbreviation: HIMIDependency status :territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Antarctic Division of the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts Legal system :the laws of Australia, where applicable, apply 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 Economy—overview :The islands have no indigenous economic activity, but the Australian Government allows limited fishing in the surrounding waters. Communications Internet country code :.hm Transportation Ports and terminals :none; offshore anchorage only Military Military—note :defense is the responsibility of Australia; Australia conducts fisheries patrols Transnational Issues Disputes—international :none
