Polar

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Capital: —
Population: 0
Region: Polar
Languages: English

Fun fact

This territory is home to Australia's only two active volcanoes, with Big Ben on Heard Island famously emitting lava and steam regularly. Because the islands are composed of incredibly pristine ecosystems with no introduced species, humans are rarely permitted to visit, making it one of the most untouched places on Earth. Scientists must undergo rigorous decontamination protocols to ensure that not even a single foreign seed or spore is accidentally introduced to the volcanic soil.

Currency

The official currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Since the islands have no permanent residents or commercial activity, the currency is primarily used for administrative budgeting and by visiting scientific expeditions who occasionally purchase commemorative items or stamps.

Flag symbolism

The islands do not possess a unique local flag and instead officially fly the Australian National Flag. The blue field represents the ocean, while the Union Jack in the canton acknowledges the historical administrative ties to the British Crown. The large Commonwealth Star and the five stars of the Southern Cross signify the territory's status as an external Australian domain and its location in the southern celestial hemisphere.

Emblem history

While the islands lack a dedicated coat of arms, they fall under the authority of the Australian Antarctic Division, which uses the Commonwealth Coat of Arms as its formal seal. This emblem features a shield supported by a kangaroo and an emu, chosen because neither animal can easily move backward, symbolizing a nation moving forward. The background is adorned with golden wattle, Australia's national floral emblem, and the shield contains symbols representing the six original states that federated in 1901.