| Bassas da India (possession of France) |
Introduction Geography People Government Economy Transportation Military Transnational Issues

Bassas da India | Introduction | Top of Page

Background: | This atoll is a volcanic rock surrounded by reefs and is awash at high tide. A French possession since 1897, it was placed under the administration of a commissioner residing in Reunion in 1968.

Bassas da India | Geography | Top of Page

Location: | Southern Africa, islands in the southern Mozambique Channel, about one-half of the way from Madagascar to Mozambique

Geographic coordinates: | 21 30 S, 39 50 E

Map references: | Africa

Area: | total: 0.2 sq km land: 0.2 sq km water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative: | about one-third the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries: | 0 km

Coastline: | 35.2 km

Maritime claims: | exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate: | tropical

Terrain: | volcanic rock

Elevation extremes: | lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 2.4 m

Natural resources: | none

Land use: | arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% permanent pastures: 0% forests and woodland: 0% other: 100% (all rock)

Irrigated land: | 0 sq km (1993)

Natural hazards: | maritime hazard since it is usually under water during high tide and surrounded by reefs; subject to periodic cyclones

Environment - current issues: | NA

Bassas da India | People | Top of Page

Population: | uninhabited (July 2001 est.)

Bassas da India | Government | Top of Page

Country name: | conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bassas da India

Dependency status: | possession of France; administered by a high commissioner of the Republic, resident in Reunion

Legal system: | the laws of France, where applicable, apply

Flag description: | the flag of France is used

Bassas da India | Economy | Top of Page

Economy - overview: | no economic activity

Bassas da India | Transportation | Top of Page

Waterways: | none

Ports and harbors: | none; offshore anchorage only

Bassas da India | Military | Top of Page

Military - note: | defense is the responsibility of France

Bassas da India | Transnational Issues | Top of Page

Disputes - international: | claimed by Madagascar