2001 Edition
CIA World Factbook 2001 (Project Gutenberg)
Introduction
Area
total: 58.5 sq km land: 58.5 sq km water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative
about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC
Background
This uninhabited volcanic island is almost entirely covered by glaciers and is difficult to approach. It was discovered in 1739 by a French naval officer after whom the island was named. No claim was made until 1825 when the British flag was raised. In 1928, the UK waived its claim in favor of Norway, which had occupied the island the previous year. In 1971, Bouvet Island and the adjacent territorial waters were designated a nature reserve. Since 1977, Norway has run an automated meteorological station on the island. Bouvet Island Geography
Climate
antarctic
Coastline
29.6 km
Communications - note
automatic meteorological station Bouvet Island Transportation
Country name
conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bouvet Island
Dependency status
territory of Norway; administered by the Polar Department of the Ministry of Justice and Police from Oslo
Disputes - international
none
Economy - overview
no economic activity; declared a nature reserve Bouvet Island Communications
Elevation extremes
lowest point: South Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Olav Peak 935 m
Environment - current issues
NA
Flag description
the flag of Norway is used Bouvet Island Economy
Geographic coordinates
54 26 S, 3 24 E
Geography - note
covered by glacial ice; declared a nature reserve Bouvet Island People
Internet country code
.bv
Irrigated land
0 sq km (1993)
Land boundaries
0 km
Land use
arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% permanent pastures: 0% forests and woodland: 0% other: 100% (93% ice)
Legal system
the laws of Norway, where applicable, apply
Location
Southern Africa, island in the South Atlantic Ocean, south-southwest of the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa)
Map references
Antarctic Region
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 4 NM
Military - note
defense is the responsibility of Norway Bouvet Island Transnational Issues
Natural hazards
NA
Natural resources
none
Population
uninhabited (July 2001 est.) Bouvet Island Government
Ports and harbors
none; offshore anchorage only Bouvet Island Military
Terrain
volcanic; maximum elevation about 800 m; coast is mostly inaccessible
Waterways
none