Bassas da India (possession of France) |
|
Geography |
Location: Southern Africa, islands in the southern Mozambique Channel, about one-half of the way from Madagascar to Mozambique
Geographic coordinates: 21 30 S, 39 50 E
Map references: Africa
Area:
total:
0.2 sq km
land:
0.2 sq km
water:
0 sq km
Area - comparative: about one-third the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 35.2 km
Maritime claims:
exclusive economic zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
Climate: tropical
Terrain: volcanic rock
Elevation extremes:
lowest point:
Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point:
unnamed location 2.4 m
Natural resources: none
Land use:
arable land:
0%
permanent crops:
0%
permanent pastures:
0%
forests and woodland:
0%
other:
100% (all rock)
Irrigated land: 0 sq km (1993)
Natural hazards: maritime hazard since it is usually under water during high tide and surrounded by reefs; subject to periodic cyclones
Environment - current issues: NA
People |
Population: uninhabited (July 2000 est.)
Government |
Country name:
conventional long form:
none
conventional short form:
Bassas da India
Data code: BS
Dependency status: possession of France; administered by a high commissioner of the Republic, resident in Reunion
Flag description: the flag of France is used
Economy |
Economy - overview: no economic activity
Transportation |
Ports and harbors: none; offshore anchorage only
Military |
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France
Transnational Issues |
Disputes - international:
claimed by Madagascar