2001 Edition
CIA World Factbook 2001 (Project Gutenberg)
Introduction
Area
total: 7 sq km land: 7 sq km water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative
about 12 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Background
This isolated island was named for John CLIPPERTON, a pirate who made it his hideout early in the 18th century. Annexed by France in 1855, it was seized by Mexico in 1897. Arbitration eventually awarded the island to France, which took possession in 1935. Clipperton Island Geography
Climate
tropical, humid, average temperature 20-32 degrees C, rains May-October
Coastline
11.1 km
Country name
conventional long form: none conventional short form: Clipperton Island local long form: none local short form: Ile Clipperton former: sometimes called Ile de la Passion
Dependency status
possession of France; administered by France from French Polynesia by a high commissioner of the Republic
Disputes - international
none
Economy - overview
Although 115 species of fish have been identified in the territorial waters of Clipperton Island, the only economic activity is tuna fishing. Clipperton Island Transportation
Elevation extremes
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Rocher Clipperton 29 m
Environment - current issues
NA
Flag description
the flag of France is used Clipperton Island Economy
Geographic coordinates
10 17 N, 109 13 W
Geography - note
reef about 8 km in circumference Clipperton Island People
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% (all coral)
Legal system
the laws of France, where applicable, apply
Location
Middle America, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, 1,120 km southwest of Mexico
Map references
World
Maritime claims
exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM
Military - note
defense is the responsibility of France Clipperton Island Transnational Issues
Natural hazards
NA
Natural resources
fish
Population
uninhabited (July 2001 est.) Clipperton Island Government
Ports and harbors
none; offshore anchorage only Clipperton Island Military
Terrain
coral atoll
Waterways
none