Bouvet Island
Bouvet Island
Introduction
Background
This uninhabited volcanic island is almost entirely covered by glaciers and is difficult to approach. It was discovered in 1739 by a French naval officer after whom the island was named. No claim was made until 1825, when the British flag was raised. In 1928, the UK waived its claim in favor of Norway, which had occupied the island the previous year. In 1971, Norway designated Bouvet Island and the adjacent territorial waters a nature reserve. Since 1977, it has run an automated meteorological station on the island.
Geography
Location
island in the South Atlantic Ocean, southwest of the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa)
Geographic coordinates
54 26 S, 3 24 E
Map references
Antarctic Region
Area
total: 49 sq km
country comparison to the world: 232 land:49 sq km
water:0 sq km
Area – comparative
about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries
0 km
Coastline
29.6 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 4 nm
Climate
antarctic
Terrain
volcanic
coast is mostly inaccessible
Elevation extremes
lowest point: South Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point:Olav Peak 935 m
Natural resources
none
Land use
arable land: 0%
permanent crops:0%
other:100% (93% ice) (2005)
Irrigated land
0 sq km
Natural hazards
NA
Environment – current issues
NA
Geography – note
covered by glacial ice
declared a nature reserve by Norway
People and Society
Population
uninhabited
Government
Country name
conventional long form: none
conventional short form:Bouvet Island
Dependency status
territory of Norway
administered by the Polar Department of the Ministry of Justice and Oslo Police
Legal system
the laws of Norway, where applicable, apply
Flag description
the flag of Norway is used
Economy
Economy – overview
no economic activity
declared a nature reserve
Transportation
Ports and terminals
none
offshore anchorage only
Military
Military – note
defense is the responsibility of Norway
Transnational Issues
Disputes – international
none