Clipperton Island

Clipperton Island

Introduction

Background

This isolated island was named for John CLIPPERTON, a pirate who made it his hideout early in the 18th century. Annexed by France in 1855, it was seized by Mexico in 1897. Arbitration eventually awarded the island to France, which took possession in 1935.

Geography

Location

Middle America, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, 1,120 km southwest of Mexico

Geographic coordinates

10 17 N, 109 13 W

Map references

Political Map of the World

Area

total: 6 sq km
country comparison to the world: 244 land:6 sq km
water:0 sq km

Area – comparative

about 12 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries

0 km

Coastline

11.1 km

Maritime claims

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone:200 nm

Climate

tropical

humid, average temperature 20-32 degrees C, wet season (May to October)

Terrain

coral atoll

Elevation extremes

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point:Rocher Clipperton 29 m

Natural resources

fish

Land use

arable land: 0%
permanent crops:0%
other:100% (all coral) (2005)

Irrigated land

0 sq km

Natural hazards

NA

Environment – current issues

NA

Geography – note

reef 12 km in circumference

People and Society

Population

uninhabited

Government

Country name

conventional long form: none
conventional short form:Clipperton Island
local long form:none
local short form:Ile Clipperton
former:sometimes called Ile de la Passion

Dependency status

possession of France

administered directly by the Minister of Overseas France

Legal system

the laws of France, where applicable, apply

Flag description

the flag of France is used

Economy

Economy – overview

Although 115 species of fish have been identified in the territorial waters of Clipperton Island, the only economic activity is tuna fishing.

Transportation

Ports and terminals

none

offshore anchorage only

Military

Military – note

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues

Disputes – international

none

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