The United Kingdom 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

slightly more than two times the size of Washington, DC

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

Mawson Peak, an active volcano, is on Heard Island

Mawson Peak on Heard Island is the highest Australian mountain (at 2,745 meters, it is taller than Mt. Kosciuszko in Australia proper), and one of only two active volcanoes located in Australian territory, the other being McDonald Island; in 1992, McDonald Island broke its dormancy and began erupting; it has erupted several times since, the most recent being in 2005

territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities

the laws of Australia, where applicable, apply

none (territory of Australia)

the flag of Australia is used

The islands have no indigenous economic activity, but the Australian Government allows limited fishing in the surrounding waters.

none; offshore anchorage only

defense is the responsibility of Australia; Australia conducts fisheries patrols