Country Profile: Navassa Island
Navassa Island is an uninhabited territory of the United States located in the Caribbean, approximately 30 nautical miles west of Haiti's Tiburon Peninsula. The island spans an area of 5.4 square kilometers and features a unique marine tropical climate that supports a diverse ecosystem recognized as a National Wildlife Refuge. Governance of the island is administratively managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, with its laws aligning with US regulations, despite historical claims by Haiti. The island's economy is primarily non-existent due to its uninhabited status, while its strategic location near Cuba plays a significant role in its governance and military security.
Geography
Navassa Island is a limestone and coral formation characterized by a flat to undulating terrain, with a maximum elevation of 85 meters. Its coastline extends for 8 kilometers, and it has a strategic position approximately 160 kilometers south of the US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay. The climate is classified as marine tropical, contributing to unique biodiversity on the island.
- 5 sq km: Total area of Navassa Island.
- 8 km: Length of the island's coastline.
- 200 m: Highest point on the island.
- 0 km: No land boundaries with other territories.
People and Society
The island is currently uninhabited, meaning there are no permanent residents living on Navassa Island. Its isolated status contributes to its pristine environment and biodiversity, making it a focus for scientific expeditions.
- 0: Total population as the island is uninhabited.
Environment
Navassa Island faces environmental challenges such as coral bleaching, a concern for its rich marine biodiversity. The island's natural resources, including historical guano deposits, are not currently utilized, and its land use remains entirely natural.
- 100%: Estimated land use designated as natural (2018).
- Marine, tropical: Climate type that influences the ecosystem.
Government
Navassa Island is an unorganized and unincorporated territory of the US, managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The laws applicable to the island are the same as those of the US. Diplomatic representation is absent as it does not require an embassy due to its territorial status.
- 1857: Year the US claimed Navassa Island.
- 1998: Designation of the island as a National Wildlife Refuge.
- 1917: Lighthouse constructed; subsequently shut down in 1996.
Military and Security
Defense responsibilities for Navassa Island fall under the jurisdiction of the United States. This geographic positioning near Cuba highlights the island's potential strategic significance, although it remains uninhabited.
- 160 km: Distance from Navassa Island to the US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 5.4 sq km | Total land area |
| Population | 0 | No permanent residents |
| Highest Point | 85 m | Elevation above sea level |
| Coastline | 8 km | Length of the coastline |
| Dependency Status | Unincorporated | Territorial status of the US |
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