Country Profile: Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Heard Island and McDonald Islands are remote territories located in the Indian Ocean, approximately two-thirds of the way from Madagascar to Antarctica. They are uninhabited and primarily used for scientific research, hosting a variety of bird species, seals, and penguins. The economy is minimal, focusing on limited fishing around their territorial waters, while governance is under Australia's Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment. The islands are characterized by an Antarctic climate and an active volcanic landscape, particularly highlighted by Mawson Peak, which reaches an elevation of 2,745 meters.

Geography

Heard Island and McDonald Islands have a total area of 412 square kilometers, with a coastline measuring 101.9 kilometers. The terrain features bleak, mountainous landscapes largely covered in ice, while the volcanic activity of Mawson Peak on Heard Island is a defining characteristic. The islands are located in a unique geographic position that is more than twice the size of Washington, D.C.

412 sq km: Total area of the islands
101.9 km: Coastline length
2,745 m: Elevation of the highest point, Mawson Peak
0 km: Total land boundaries
200 nm: Exclusive fishing zone

People and Society

Heard Island and McDonald Islands are uninhabited with no permanent population. The islands are used for limited scientific research and expedition purposes, which contribute to their preservation as a unique natural environment.

Uninhabited: No permanent human settlement

Government

The territory is officially known as the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands and is administered by Australia. The laws of Australia apply, and there is no separate diplomatic representation, as external relations are managed through Australia.

HIMI: Abbreviation for Heard Island and McDonald Islands
1: Number of World Heritage Sites (natural)
Canberra: Administration location under Australian government

Military and Security

Defense responsibilities for Heard Island and McDonald Islands lie with Australia. There are no military installations on the islands.

Defense responsibility: Australia

Transportation

Heard Island and McDonald Islands feature two heliports, facilitating access for scientific research and expeditions.

2: Number of heliports available (2025)

Communications

The territory uses the internet country code ".hm" for communications purposes.

.hm: Internet country code

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	Uninhabited	No permanent residents
Area	412 sq km	Total land area
Highest Point	2,745 m	Elevation of Mawson Peak
Coastline Length	101.9 km	Total coastline
Exclusive Fishing Zone	200 nm	Territorial fishing rights
World Heritage Sites	1	Natural heritage site