Country Profile: Bouvet Island
Bouvet Island is an uninhabited volcanic island located in the South Atlantic Ocean, known for being the most remote island on Earth, situated 1,639 km from any other landmass. The island is almost entirely covered by glaciers, with a harsh antarctic climate that makes accessibility challenging. Governed as a territory of Norway, it features a seasonal research station, although no permanent population resides there. The island has no significant natural resources and is designated as a nature reserve.
Geography
Bouvet Island is situated in the South Atlantic Ocean, southwest of the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. With an area of approximately 49 square kilometers, it is almost entirely covered by glacial ice, making most of its coastline inaccessible. The island's highest point is Olavtoppen, which stands at 780 meters above sea level.
- 49 sq km: Total area
- 29.6 km: Coastline length
- 93%: Covered by glacial ice
- 4 nm: Territorial sea limit
- 12,776 km: Distance from Bouvet Island to Norway
People and Society
Bouvet Island is uninhabited, though it hosts a small, seasonal research station located in its northwest corner. This lack of a permanent population highlights the island's extreme environmental conditions and its designation as a nature reserve, where human activity is limited to scientific research.
- 0: Permanent residents
- Seasonal: Research station presence
Government
Bouvet Island is a territory of Norway, administered by the Polar Department of the Ministry of Justice and the Oslo Police. Norwegian law applies on the island, and the flag of Norway is used as its national flag. The island has no conventional long-form country name, reflecting its uninhabited status.
- Legal System: Norwegian laws apply
- Administered by: Norway's Ministry of Justice
- Flag: Norwegian flag
Environment
The island's harsh antarctic climate limits land use to 100% other, with no agricultural capacity or forested areas. It is subject to occasional volcanism and rock slides, and its surroundings are covered by pack ice during winter months.
- 0%: Agricultural land
- 100%: Other land use category
- Harsh Climate: Characteristic of the region
Communications
Bouvet Island's internet country code is ".bv", indicating its unique digital presence despite being largely uninhabited.
- Internet country code: .bv
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 49 sq km | Total area of the island |
| Population | Uninhabited | No permanent residents |
| Territorial Sea | 4 nm | Maritime claim |
| Highest Point | 780 m | Elevation at Olavtoppen |
| Climate | Antarctic | Characteristic of the region |
| Land Use | 100% Other | No agricultural capacity |
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