Country Profile: Navassa Island

Navassa Island is a small, uninhabited territory in the Caribbean, situated approximately 30 nautical miles west of Haiti's Tiburon Peninsula. The island, covering an area of 5.4 square kilometers, features a unique landscape characterized by a raised coral and limestone plateau, surrounded by vertical cliffs. Although it was formerly mined for guano, administrative control now falls under the US Department of the Interior, highlighting its ecological significance as a National Wildlife Refuge since 1999. The island's remote location and lack of permanent population contribute to its status as a haven for diverse Caribbean biodiversity.

Geography

Navassa Island is located in the Caribbean Sea, roughly 160 kilometers south of the US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The island's terrain consists predominantly of limestone and coral, with a highest elevation of 85 meters near its lighthouse. The maritime claims include a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles and an exclusive economic zone extending 200 nautical miles. It is characterized by a tropical marine climate and natural hazards such as hurricanes.

5 sq km: total area of the island
8 km: coastline length
200 m: highest elevation point
100%: land use classified as "other"

People and Society

Navassa Island is currently uninhabited, and thus has no permanent population. Its isolation contributes to the island's ecological integrity, allowing various species to thrive without human interference.

Government

As an unorganized, unincorporated territory of the US, Navassa Island is administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service from Puerto Rico. The legal system is based on US law, and the island uses the US flag. Although Haiti has claimed the island since the 19th century, it remains under US governance.

1857: US claimed Navassa Island
1917: Lighthouse built
1996: Lighthouse shut down
1999: Designated as a National Wildlife Refuge

Military and Security

The defense of Navassa Island is under the responsibility of the United States. Given its remote location and status as an uninhabited territory, there are no military installations present.

Environment

Navassa Island faces environmental issues such as coral bleaching, highlighting its vulnerability despite its status as a wildlife refuge. The area is primarily used for conservation, with land use predominantly classified as "other."

2018: 100% land usage estimated as "other"

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Area	5.4 sq km	Total land area of the island
Population	Uninhabited	No permanent population
Territorial Sea	12 nautical miles	Maritime claim
Exclusive Economic Zone	200 nautical miles	Maritime claim
Highest Point	85 m	Elevation near lighthouse
Coastline Length	8 km	Length of the island's coastline