Country Profile: Navassa Island

Navassa Island is an uninhabited territory located in the Caribbean Sea, approximately 30 nautical miles west of the Tiburon Peninsula in Haiti. The island, once mined for guano, now serves as an ecological preserve, notable for its unique biodiversity. Governed as an unorganized and unincorporated territory of the United States, it operates under US laws and is managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service. The island's geographic isolation and minimal human presence contribute to its environmental significance.

Geography

Navassa Island is a small landmass measuring approximately 5.4 square kilometers, characterized by a raised flat to undulating coral and limestone plateau. The island has no land boundaries, with a coastline of about 8 kilometers. The terrain is mostly exposed rock, surrounded by vertical cliffs that rise between 9 to 15 meters above sea level. It enjoys a tropical marine climate and is strategically located 160 kilometers south of the US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

1857: US claims the island for guano mining.
1996: The lighthouse is shut down after nearly 80 years of operation.
1998: The island is designated as a National Wildlife Refuge.

People and Society

Navassa Island is currently uninhabited, with no permanent population residing on the island. As such, there are no significant societal structures or demographic information to report.

Environment

The island faces environmental challenges primarily related to coral bleaching, a consequence of climate change and environmental stressors. Despite its challenges, Navassa Island is recognized for its ecological diversity, with efforts made to protect its natural resources. The entire land area is classified as land use other, indicating minimal human intervention.

1998: Noted as a "unique preserve of Caribbean biodiversity" during a scientific expedition.
100%: Estimation of land use as uninhabited (2018).

Government

Navassa Island is classified as an unorganized and unincorporated territory of the United States, with its administration falling under the jurisdiction of the Fish and Wildlife Service. The island has been claimed by Haiti since the 19th century. US laws are applicable on the island, and the US flag represents its governance.

1504: The name "Navassa" derives from Spanish, meaning "flat land."
No US embassy: As a US territory, Navassa Island does not have a diplomatic mission.

Military and Security

The defense of Navassa Island falls under the responsibility of the United States. Due to its uninhabited status, there is no local military presence.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Area	5.4 sq km	Total land area of Navassa Island
Population	Uninhabited	No permanent residents
Coastline	8 km	Extent of the island's coastline
Climate	Marine, tropical	Characterization of the island's weather
Natural Resources	Guano	Main resource historically exploited