2008 Edition
CIA World Factbook 2008 (Project Gutenberg)
Introduction
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.
Geography
Area
total: 6 sq km land: 6 sq km water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative
about 12 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Climate
tropical; humid, average temperature 20-32 degrees C, wet season (May to October)
Coastline
11.1 km
Elevation extremes
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Rocher Clipperton 29 m
Environment - current issues
NA
Geographic coordinates
10 17 N, 109 13 W
Geography - note
reef 12 km in circumference
Irrigated land
0 sq km
Land boundaries
0 km
Land use
arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (all coral) (2005)
Location
Middle America, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, 1,120 km southwest of Mexico
Map references
Political Map of the World
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Natural hazards
NA
Natural resources
fish
Terrain
coral atoll
People and Society
Population
uninhabited
Government
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 directly by the Minister of Overseas France
Flag description
the flag of France is used
Legal system
the laws of France, where applicable, apply
Economy
Economy - overview
Although 115 species of fish have been identified in the territorial waters of Clipperton Island, the only economic activity is tuna fishing.
Transportation
Ports and terminals
none; offshore anchorage only
Military and Security
Military - note
defense is the responsibility of France
Transnational Issues
Disputes - international
none This page was last updated on 18 December, 2008