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These uninhabited islands came under Australian authority in 1931; formal administration began two years later. Ashmore Reef supports a rich and diverse avian and marine habitat; in 1983, it became a National Nature Reserve.
Cartier Island, a former bombing range, is now a marine reserve.
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Country
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Surface Area: 5 sq km (includes Ashmore Reef - West, Middle, and East Islets - and Cartier Island)
Population: no indigenous inhabitants
Located in: Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean
Independent since: territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services
Flag (image): 
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