Part 160

Economic overview: The only economic activity is a tuna fishing station.

Transportation --------------

Ports: none; offshore anchorage only

Defense -------

Defense note: defense is the responsibility of France

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@Cocos (Keeling) Islands -----------------------

(territory of Australia)

Map ---

Location: 12 30 S, 96 50 E -- Southeastern Asia, group of islands in the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia, about one-half of the way from Australia to Sri Lanka

Flag ----

Description: the flag of Australia is used

Geography ---------

Location: Southeastern Asia, group of islands in the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia, about one-half of the way from Australia to Sri Lanka

Geographic coordinates: 12 30 S, 96 50 E

Map references: Southeast Asia

Area: total area: 14 sq km land area: 14 sq km comparative area: about 24 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC note: includes the two main islands of West Island and Home Island

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 2.6 km

Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm

International disputes: none

Climate: pleasant, modified by the southeast trade wind for about nine months of the year; moderate rainfall

Terrain: flat, low-lying coral atolls lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 5 m

Natural resources: fish

Land use: arable land: NA% permanent crops: NA% meadows and pastures: NA% forest and woodland: NA% other: NA%

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Environment: current issues: fresh water resources are limited to rainwater accumulations in natural underground reservoirs natural hazards: cyclones may occur in the early months of the year international agreements: NA

Geographic note: two coral atolls thickly covered with coconut palms and other vegetation