The UK transferred these uninhabited, barren, sub-Antarctic islands 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
area
412 sq km
land 412 sq km
water 0 sq km
land boundaries
0 km
coastline
101.9 km
climate
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
lowest point
Indian Ocean
0
highest point
Mawson Peak on Big Ben volcano
2,745
natural resources
fish
land use
arable land
permanent crops
permanent pasture
forest
other
people
This entry doesn't have any available people data.
government
legal system
the laws of Australia apply where applicable
flag description
the flag of Australia is used
economy
overview
The islands have no indigenous economic activity, but the Australian Government allows limited fishing in the surrounding waters. Visits to Heard Island typically focus on terrestrial and marine research and infrequent private expeditions.
communications
This entry doesn't have any available communications data.
energy
This entry doesn't have any available energy data.
transportation
This entry doesn't have any available transportation data.
military
This entry doesn't have any available military data.