The World Factbook | ||
Bassas da India |
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Introduction | Bassas da India |
Background:
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This atoll is a volcanic rock surrounded by reefs and is awash at high tide. A French possession since 1897, it was placed under the administration of a commissioner residing in Reunion in 1968. |
Geography | Bassas da India |
Location:
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Southern Africa, islands in the southern Mozambique Channel, about one-half of the way from Madagascar to Mozambique |
Geographic coordinates:
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21 30 S, 39 50 E |
Map references:
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Africa |
Area:
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total: 0.2 sq km
water: 0 sq km land: 0.2 sq km |
Area - comparative:
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about one-third the size of The Mall in Washington, DC |
Land boundaries:
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0 km |
Coastline:
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35.2 km |
Maritime claims:
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territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm |
Climate:
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tropical |
Terrain:
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volcanic rock |
Elevation extremes:
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lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 2.4 m |
Natural resources:
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none |
Land use:
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arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (all rock) (2001) |
Irrigated land:
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0 sq km (1998 est.) |
Natural hazards:
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maritime hazard since it is usually under water during high tide and surrounded by reefs; subject to periodic cyclones |
Environment - current issues:
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NA |
Geography - note:
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the islands emerge from a circular reef that sits atop a long-extinct, submerged volcano |
People | Bassas da India |
Population:
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uninhabited (July 2004 est.) |
Government | Bassas da India |
Country name:
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conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Bassas da India |
Dependency status:
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possession of France; administered by a high commissioner of the Republic, resident in Reunion |
Legal system:
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the laws of France, where applicable, apply |
Flag description:
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the flag of France is used |
Economy | Bassas da India |
Economy - overview:
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no economic activity |
Transportation | Bassas da India |
Ports and harbors:
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none; offshore anchorage only |
Military | Bassas da India |
Military - note:
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defense is the responsibility of France |
Transnational Issues | Bassas da India |
Disputes - international:
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claimed by Madagascar |
This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 |