Country Profile: Navassa Island
Navassa Island is a small uninhabited territory located in the Caribbean Sea, approximately 30 nautical miles west of Haiti's Tiburon Peninsula. It encompasses an area of 5.4 square kilometers and operates under the jurisdiction of the United States, specifically administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service. The island is noted for its unique biodiversity, which has led to its designation as a National Wildlife Refuge, although its economy is historically linked to guano mining that ceased in 1898.
Geography
Navassa Island is characterized by a marine tropical climate and a landscape comprising a raised coral and limestone plateau surrounded by vertical cliffs. Its strategic location is approximately 160 kilometers south of the US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The island boasts a total coastline of 8 kilometers and has no land boundaries, making it entirely surrounded by water.
- Area: 5.4 sq km
- Coastline: 8 km
- Highest Point: 200 m NNW of lighthouse, with the lighthouse itself built in 1917
- Natural Hazards: Vulnerable to hurricanes
- Terrain: Raised plateau with limestone sinkholes and grassland
People and Society
Navassa Island is currently uninhabited, with no permanent population residing on the island.
- Population: Uninhabited
Environment
Environmental concerns on Navassa Island primarily include coral bleaching, which threatens its rich biodiversity. The island is classified as 100% land use, indicative of its limited human impact.
- Climate: Marine, tropical
- Environmental Issue: Coral bleaching noted
- Land Use (2018 est.): 100%
Government
Navassa Island is an unorganized, unincorporated territory of the United States, with governance under US law. The island has been claimed by Haiti since the 19th century and is administered from Puerto Rico's Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The US flag is used as the official flag.
- Dependency Status: US territory administered by Fish and Wildlife Service
- Legal System: US laws apply
- Diplomatic Representation: None (territory of the US)
Military and Security
The defense and security of Navassa Island fall under the responsibility of the United States, reflecting its status as a US territory.
- Defense Responsibility: US
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 5.4 sq km | Total land area |
| Population | Uninhabited | No permanent residents |
| Climate | Marine, tropical | |
| Highest Point | 200 m | Elevation above sea level |
| Coastline | 8 km | Total length of coastline |
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