Glorioso Islands (2001) (compare) | |
Glorioso Islands (2002) (compare) | |
Glorioso Islands (2004) (compare) | |
Glorioso Islands (2005) (compare) | |
Glorioso Islands (2006) (compare) |
Airports | 1 (2002) |
Airports - with unpaved runways | total: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002) |
Area | total: 5 sq km
land: 5 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Ile Glorieuse, Ile du Lys, Verte Rocks, Wreck Rock, and South Rock |
Area - comparative | about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC |
Background | A French possession since 1892, the Glorioso Islands are composed of two lushly vegetated coral islands (Ile Glorieuse and Ile du Lys) and three rock islets. A military garrison operates a weather and radio station on Ile Glorieuse. |
Climate | tropical |
Coastline | 35.2 km |
Country name | conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Glorioso Islands local long form: none local short form: Iles Glorieuses |
Dependency status | possession of France; administered by a high commissioner of the Republic, resident in Reunion |
Diplomatic representation from the US | none (possession of France) |
Diplomatic representation in the US | none (possession of France) |
Disputes - international | claimed by Madagascar |
Economy - overview | no economic activity |
Elevation extremes | lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 12 m |
Environment - current issues | NA |
Flag description | the flag of France is used |
Geographic coordinates | 11 30 S, 47 20 E |
Geography - note | the islands and rocks are surrounded by an extensive reef system |
Irrigated land | 0 sq km (1998 est.) |
Land boundaries | 0 km |
Land use | arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (all lush vegetation and coconut palms) (1998 est.) |
Legal system | the laws of France, where applicable, apply |
Location | Southern Africa, group of islands in the Indian Ocean, northwest of Madagascar |
Map references | Africa |
Maritime claims | exclusive economic zone: 200 NM
territorial sea: 12 NM |
Military - note | defense is the responsibility of France |
Natural hazards | periodic cyclones |
Natural resources | guano, coconuts |
Population | no indigenous inhabitants
note: there is a small French military garrison along with a few meteorologists; visited by scientists (July 2003 est.) |
Ports and harbors | none; offshore anchorage only |
Terrain | low and flat |
Waterways | none |