|
Factors
From The World Factbook -- Bouvet Island
| 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, Bouvet Island and the adjacent territorial waters were designated a nature reserve. Since 1977, Norway has run an automated meteorological station on the island.
|
| Location: |
Southern Africa, island in the South Atlantic Ocean, south-southwest of the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa)
|
| Geographic coordinates: |
54 26 S, 3 24 E
|
| Map references: |
Antarctic Region
|
| Area: |
total:
58.5 sq km
land:
58.5 sq km
water:
0 sq km
|
| Area - comparative: |
about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC
|
| Maritime claims: |
territorial sea:
4 NM
|
| Terrain: |
volcanic; maximum elevation about 800 m; coast is mostly inaccessible
|
| Elevation extremes: |
lowest point:
South Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point:
Olav Peak 935 m
|
| Land use: |
arable land:
0%
permanent crops:
0%
permanent pastures:
0%
forests and woodland:
0%
other:
100% (93% ice)
|
| Irrigated land: |
0 sq km (1993)
|
| Environment - current issues: |
NA
|
| Geography - note: |
covered by glacial ice; declared a nature reserve
|
| Population: |
uninhabited (July 2001 est.)
|
| 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 Police from Oslo
|
| Legal system: |
the laws of Norway, where applicable, apply
|
| Flag description: |
the flag of Norway is used
|
| Economy - overview: |
no economic activity; declared a nature reserve
|
| Internet country code: |
.bv
|
| Communications - note: |
automatic meteorological station
|
| Ports and harbors: |
none; offshore anchorage only
|
| Military - note: |
defense is the responsibility of Norway
|
| Disputes - international: |
none
|
* based on information from the CIA World Factbook
|
In the recommended column: Definitely worth checking ...
©2002 xq23, All rights reserved.
|
Latest relevant books on:
bv Bouvet Island