land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

permanent pastures: 0%

forests and woodland: 0%

other: 100% (mostly grass or scrub cover)

Irrigated land: 0 sq km (1993)

Natural hazards: occasional tropical cyclones

Environment - current issues: no permanent fresh water resources

Geography - note: important nesting area for birds and turtles

Coral Sea Islands People

Population: no indigenous inhabitants

note: there is a staff of three to four at the meteorological
station (July 2001 est.)

Coral Sea Islands Government

Country name: conventional long form: Coral Sea Islands Territory

conventional short form: Coral Sea Islands

Dependency status: territory of Australia; administered from
Canberra by the Department of the Environment, Sport, and Territories

Legal system: the laws of Australia, where applicable, apply

Executive branch: administered from Canberra by the Department of
the Environment, Sport, and Territories

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

Coral Sea Islands Economy

Economy - overview: no economic activity

Coral Sea Islands Communications

Communications - note: there are automatic weather stations on many
of the isles and reefs relaying data to the mainland

Coral Sea Islands Transportation

Waterways: none

Ports and harbors: none; offshore anchorage only

Coral Sea Islands Military

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of Australia; visited
regularly by the Royal Australian Navy; Australia has control over
the activities of visitors

Coral Sea Islands Transnational Issues

Disputes - international: none

======================================================================

@Costa Rica

Costa Rica Introduction

Background: Costa Rica is a Central American success story: since
the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have
marred its democratic development. Although still a largely
agricultural country, it has achieved a relatively high standard of
living. Land ownership is widespread. Tourism is a rapidly expanding
industry.

Costa Rica Geography

Location: Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the
North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama

Geographic coordinates: 10 00 N, 84 00 W

Map