CIA Factbook The World Factbook 1994: Coral Sea IslandsGeography Location: Southwestern Oceania, just off the northeast coast of Australia in the Coral Sea Area: • total area: less than 3 sq km • land area: less than 3 sq km • comparative area: NA • note: includes numerous small islands and reefs scattered over a sea area of about 1 million sq km, with Willis Islets the most important Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 3,095 km Maritime claims: • exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm • territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical Terrain: sand and coral reefs and islands (or cays) Natural resources: negligible Land use: • arable land: 0% • permanent crops: 0% • meadows and pastures: 0% • forest and woodland: 0% • other: 100% (mostly grass or scrub cover) Irrigated land: 0 sq km Environment: • current issues: no permanent fresh water resources • natural hazards: subject to occasional tropical cyclones • international agreements: NA Note: important nesting area for birds and turtles