Country Profile: Clipperton Island
Clipperton Island is a small, uninhabited atoll located in the North Pacific Ocean, approximately 1,120 km southwest of Mexico. The island, named after the English pirate John Clipperton, was annexed by France in 1855. Governed as a dependency of France, it operates under French law, but has no permanent population or economic activity. The island's tropical climate and coral terrain render it largely devoid of natural resources, aside from fish.
Geography
Clipperton Island is a remote atoll with a total area of just 6 square kilometers, surrounded by a coastline measuring 11.1 km. The geographical coordinates are 10°17'N latitude and 109°13'W longitude. It experiences a tropical climate with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 32 degrees Celsius and a wet season from May to October. The island's terrain is characterized by coral formations with the highest elevation at Rocher Clipperton, reaching 29 meters.
- 6 sq km: Total area of the island.
- 11.1 km: Total coastline length.
- 12 nm: Territorial sea claim.
- 200 nm: Exclusive economic zone.
- 0%: Agricultural and forest land (2018 estimate).
People and Society
Clipperton Island is currently uninhabited, making it a unique case among territories with no resident population. As a result, there is no distinct cultural or societal structure on the island.
- Uninhabited: There is currently no population living on the island.
Government
Clipperton Island is a possession of France, directly administered by the Minister of Overseas France. The island follows French law, and its official flag is that of France. Despite its history as a claimed pirate hideout, it has no formal governance structure apart from French oversight.
- Administered by France: The island is directly governed by the French Ministry of Overseas France.
- French laws apply: The legal framework follows the laws of France.
Military and Security
France is responsible for the defense of Clipperton Island, ensuring its security and maintaining oversight over the atoll, which has no military presence of its own.
- Defense by France: The French government is in charge of the island's military and security needs.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 6 sq km | Total land area |
| Population | Uninhabited | No permanent residents |
| Elevation (highest) | 29 m | Highest point on the island |
| Coastline length | 11.1 km | Total coastline |
| Territorial sea | 12 nm | Maritime claim |
| Exclusive economic zone | 200 nm | Maritime claim |
| Agricultural land | 0% | Land use (2018 estimate) |
| Forest land | 0% | Land use (2018 estimate) |
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