1997 Edition
CIA World Factbook 1997 (Project Gutenberg)
Geography
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
Climate
tropical
Coastline
35.2 km
Elevation extremes
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 3 m
Environment - current issues
NA
Environment - international agreements
party to: NA signed, but not ratified: NA
Geographic coordinates
21 30 S, 39 50 E
Irrigated land
0 sq km (1993)
Land boundaries
0 km
Land use
arable land : 0% permanent crops: 0% permanent pastures: 0% forests and woodland: 0% other: 100% (all rock)
Location
Southern Africa, islands in the southern Mozambique Channel, about one-half of the way from Madagascar to Mozambique
Map references
Africa
Maritime claims
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
Natural hazards
maritime hazard since it is usually under water during high tide and surrounded by reefs; subject to periodic cyclones
Natural resources
none
Terrain
a volcanic rock 2.4 meters high
People and Society
Population
uninhabited
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
Independence
none (possession of France)
National capital
none; administered by France from Reunion
Economy
Economy - overview
no economic activity
Transportation
Ports and harbors
none; offshore anchorage only
Military and Security
Military - note
defense is the responsibility of France
Transnational Issues
Disputes - international
claimed by Madagascar ______________________________________________________________________ BELARUS