Heard Island and McDonald Islands

The classification of HIMI within the Antarctic region dictates its climate, ecology, and accessibility. This location ensures that the islands are subject to strict international environmental protocols, particularly concerning conservation and biosecurity, due to their pristine nature.

Due to the lack of permanent residents and infrastructure, HIMI possesses no conventional local economy, GDP, or labor force. Economic activity is limited solely to Australian government funding for occasional scientific expeditions and environmental monitoring.

With an area of 412 square kilometers and a population of zero, the population density is technically zero people per square kilometer. This contrasts sharply with the high densities found in other small island territories, emphasizing its role as a nature reserve rather than a human settlement.

Heard Island and McDonald Islands are unique in having a permanent population of zero, making them one of the few landmasses globally designated purely for scientific research and environmental protection. This status highlights the islands' extreme isolation and harsh, non-habitable Antarctic environment.