2011 Edition

Background

In February 2007, the Iles Eparses became an integral part of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF). The Southern Lands are now divided into five administrative districts, two of which are archipelagos, Iles Crozet and Iles Kerguelen; the third is a district composed of two volcanic islands, Ile Saint-Paul and Ile Amsterdam; the fourth, Iles Eparses, consists of five scattered tropical islands around Madagascar. They contain no permanent inhabitants and are visited only by researchers studying the native fauna, scientists at the various scientific stations, fishermen, and military personnel. The fifth district is the Antarctic portion, which consists of "Adelie Land," a thin slice of the Antarctic continent discovered and claimed by the French in 1840. Discovered but not named in 1522 by the Spanish, the island subsequently received the appellation of Nieuw Amsterdam from a Dutchman; it was claimed by France in 1843. A short-lived attempt at cattle farming began in 1871. A French meteorological station established on the island in 1949 is still in use. Claimed by France since 1893, the island was a fishing industry center from 1843 to 1914. In 1928, a spiny lobster cannery was established, but when the company went bankrupt in 1931, seven workers were abandoned. Only two survived until 1934 when rescue finally arrived. A large archipelago formed from the Crozet Plateau, Iles Crozet is divided into two main groups: L'Occidental (the West), which includes Ile aux Cochons, Ilots des Apotres, Ile des Pingouins, and the reefs Brisants de l'Heroine; and L'Oriental (the east), which includes Ile d'Est and Ile de la Possession (the largest island of the Crozets). Discovered and claimed by France in 1772, the islands were used for seal hunting and as a base for whaling. Originally administered as a dependency of Madagascar, they became part of the TAAF in 1955. This island group, discovered in 1772, is made up of one large island (Ile Kerguelen) and about 300 smaller islands. A permanent group of 50 to 100 scientists resides at the main base at Port-aux-Francais. The only non-insular district of the TAAF is the Antarctic claim known as "Adelie Land." The US Government does not recognize it as a French dependency. A French possession since 1897, this atoll is a volcanic rock surrounded by reefs and is awash at high tide. This heavily wooded island has been a French possession since 1897; it is the site of a small military garrison that staffs a weather station. 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. Named after a famous 15th century Spanish navigator and explorer, the island has been a French possession since 1897. It has been exploited for its guano and phosphate. Presently a small military garrison oversees a meteorological station. First explored by the French in 1776, the island came under the jurisdiction of Reunion in 1814. At present, it serves as a sea turtle sanctuary and is the site of an important meteorological station.

Adelie Land

The only non-insular district of the TAAF is the Antarctic claim known as "Adelie Land." The US Government does not recognize it as a French dependency.

Bassas da India

A French possession since 1897, this atoll is a volcanic rock surrounded by reefs and is awash at high tide.

Europa Island

This heavily wooded island has been a French possession since 1897; it is the site of a small military garrison that staffs a weather station.

Glorioso Islands

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.

Ile Amsterdam

Discovered but not named in 1522 by the Spanish, the island subsequently received the appellation of Nieuw Amsterdam from a Dutchman; it was claimed by France in 1843. A short-lived attempt at cattle farming began in 1871. A French meteorological station established on the island in 1949 is still in use.

Ile Saint Paul

Claimed by France since 1893, the island was a fishing industry center from 1843 to 1914. In 1928, a spiny lobster cannery was established, but when the company went bankrupt in 1931, seven workers were abandoned. Only two survived until 1934 when rescue finally arrived.

Iles Crozet

A large archipelago formed from the Crozet Plateau, Iles Crozet is divided into two main groups: L'Occidental (the West), which includes Ile aux Cochons, Ilots des Apotres, Ile des Pingouins, and the reefs Brisants de l'Heroine; and L'Oriental (the east), which includes Ile d'Est and Ile de la Possession (the largest island of the Crozets). Discovered and claimed by France in 1772, the islands were used for seal hunting and as a base for whaling. Originally administered as a dependency of Madagascar, they became part of the TAAF in 1955.

Iles Kerguelen

This island group, discovered in 1772, is made up of one large island (Ile Kerguelen) and about 300 smaller islands. A permanent group of 50 to 100 scientists resides at the main base at Port-aux-Francais.

Juan de Nova Island

Named after a famous 15th century Spanish navigator and explorer, the island has been a French possession since 1897. It has been exploited for its guano and phosphate. Presently a small military garrison oversees a meteorological station.

Tromelin Island

First explored by the French in 1776, the island came under the jurisdiction of Reunion in 1814. At present, it serves as a sea turtle sanctuary and is the site of an important meteorological station.

Area

total - 55 sq km; land - 55 sq km; water - 0 sq km total - 7 sq km; land - 7 sq km; water - 0 sq km total - 352 sq km; land - 352 sq km; water - 0 sq km total - 7,215 sq km; land - 7,215 sq km; water - 0 sq km total - 80 sq km; land - 0.2 sq km; water - 79.8 sq km (lagoon) total - 28 sq km; land - 28 sq km; water - 0 sq km total - 5 sq km; land - 5 sq km; water - 0 sq km total - 4.4 sq km; land - 4.4 sq km; water - 0 sq km total - 1 sq km; land - 1 sq km; water - 0 sq km excludes "Adelie Land" claim of about 500,000 sq km in Antarctica that is not recognized by the US

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses)

total - 80 sq km; land - 0.2 sq km; water - 79.8 sq km (lagoon)

Europa Island (Iles Eparses)

total - 28 sq km; land - 28 sq km; water - 0 sq km

Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses)

total - 5 sq km; land - 5 sq km; water - 0 sq km

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul)

total - 55 sq km; land - 55 sq km; water - 0 sq km

Iles Crozet

total - 352 sq km; land - 352 sq km; water - 0 sq km

Iles Kerguelen

total - 7,215 sq km; land - 7,215 sq km; water - 0 sq km

Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses)

total - 4.4 sq km; land - 4.4 sq km; water - 0 sq km

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses)

total - 1 sq km; land - 1 sq km; water - 0 sq km

Area - comparative

less than one-half the size of Washington, DC more than 10 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC about twice the size of Washington, DC slightly larger than Delaware land area about one-third the size of The Mall in Washington, DC about one-sixth the size of Washington, DC about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC about seven times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC about 1.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses)

land area about one-third the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Europa Island (Iles Eparses)

about one-sixth the size of Washington, DC

Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses)

about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul)

less than one-half the size of Washington, DC

Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul)

more than 10 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Iles Crozet

about twice the size of Washington, DC

Iles Kerguelen

slightly larger than Delaware

Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses)

about seven times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses)

about 1.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Climate

oceanic with persistent westerly winds and high humidity windy, cold, wet, and cloudy oceanic, cold, overcast, windy tropical

Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul

oceanic with persistent westerly winds and high humidity

Iles Crozet

windy, cold, wet, and cloudy

Iles Eparses

tropical

Iles Kerguelen

oceanic, cold, overcast, windy

Coastline

28 km 2,800 km 35.2 km 22.2 km 35.2 km 24.1 km 3.7 km

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses)

35.2 km

Europa Island (Iles Eparses)

22.2 km

Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses)

35.2 km

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul)

28 km

Iles Kerguelen

2,800 km

Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses)

24.1 km

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses)

3.7 km

Elevation extremes

Indian Ocean 0 m Mont de la Dives on Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) 867 m; unnamed location on Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) 272 m; Pic Marion-Dufresne in Iles Crozet 1,090 m; Mont Ross in Iles Kerguelen 1,850 m; unnamed location on Bassas de India (Iles Eparses) 2.4 m; unnamed location on Europa Island (Iles Eparses) 24 m; unnamed location on Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses) 12 m; unnamed location on Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses) 10 m; unnamed location on Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) 7 m

highest point

Mont de la Dives on Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) 867 m; unnamed location on Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) 272 m; Pic Marion-Dufresne in Iles Crozet 1,090 m; Mont Ross in Iles Kerguelen 1,850 m; unnamed location on Bassas de India (Iles Eparses) 2.4 m; unnamed location on Europa Island (Iles Eparses) 24 m; unnamed location on Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses) 12 m; unnamed location on Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses) 10 m; unnamed location on Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) 7 m

lowest point

Indian Ocean 0 m

Environment - current issues

introduction of foreign species on Iles Crozet has caused severe damage to the original ecosystem; overfishing of Patagonian toothfish around Iles Crozet and Iles Kerguelen

Geographic coordinates

37 50 S, 77 32 E 38 72 S, 77 53 E 46 25 S, 51 00 E 49 15 S, 69 35 E 21 30 S, 39 50 E 22 20 S, 40 22 E 11 30 S, 47 20 E 17 03 S, 42 45 E 15 52 S, 54 25 E

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses)

21 30 S, 39 50 E

Europa Island (Iles Eparses)

22 20 S, 40 22 E

Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses)

11 30 S, 47 20 E

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul)

37 50 S, 77 32 E

Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul)

38 72 S, 77 53 E

Iles Crozet

46 25 S, 51 00 E

Iles Kerguelen

49 15 S, 69 35 E

Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses)

17 03 S, 42 45 E

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses)

15 52 S, 54 25 E

Geography - note

islands component is widely scattered across remote locations in the southern Indian Ocean the atoll is a circular reef that sits atop a long-extinct, submerged volcano wildlife sanctuary for seabirds and sea turtles the islands and rocks are surrounded by an extensive reef system climatologically important location for forecasting cyclones in the western Indian Ocean; wildlife sanctuary (seabirds, tortoises)

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses)

the atoll is a circular reef that sits atop a long-extinct, submerged volcano

Europa Island and Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses)

wildlife sanctuary for seabirds and sea turtles

Glorioso Island (Iles Eparses)

the islands and rocks are surrounded by an extensive reef system

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses)

climatologically important location for forecasting cyclones in the western Indian Ocean; wildlife sanctuary (seabirds, tortoises)

Irrigated land

0 sq km

Land boundaries

0 km

Land use

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) - 100% trees, grasses, ferns, and moss; Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) - 100% grass, ferns, and moss; Iles Crozet - 100% tossock grass, heath, and fern; Iles Kerguelen - 100% tossock grass and Kerguelen cabbage; Bassas da India (Iles Eparses) - 100% rock, coral reef, and sand; Europa Island (Iles Eparses) - 100% mangrove swamp and dry woodlands; Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses) - 100% lush vegetation and coconut palms; Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses) - 90% forest, 10% other; Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) - 100% grasses and scattered brush (2005)

Location

southeast and east of Africa, islands in the southern Indian Ocean, some near Madagascar and others about equidistant between Africa, Antarctica, and Australia; note - French Southern and Antarctic Lands include Ile Amsterdam, Ile Saint-Paul, Iles Crozet, Iles Kerguelen, Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, and Tromelin Island in the southern Indian Ocean, along with the French-claimed sector of Antarctica, "Adelie Land"; the US does not recognize the French claim to "Adelie Land"

Map references

Antarctic Region

Maritime claims

12 nm 200 nm from Iles Kerguelen and Iles Eparses (does not include the rest of French Southern and Antarctic Lands); Juan de Nova Island and Tromelin Island claim a continental shelf of 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone

200 nm from Iles Kerguelen and Iles Eparses (does not include the rest of French Southern and Antarctic Lands); Juan de Nova Island and Tromelin Island claim a continental shelf of 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

Ile Amsterdam and Ile Saint-Paul are inactive volcanoes; Iles Eparses subject to periodic cyclones; Bassas da India is a maritime hazard since it is under water for a period of three hours prior to and following the high tide and surrounded by reefs Reunion Island - Piton de la Fournaise (elev. 2,632 m, ), which has erupted many times in recent years, including 2010, is one of the world's most active volcanoes; although rare, eruptions outside the volcano's caldera could threaten nearby cities

volcanism

Reunion Island - Piton de la Fournaise (elev. 2,632 m, ), which has erupted many times in recent years, including 2010, is one of the world's most active volcanoes; although rare, eruptions outside the volcano's caldera could threaten nearby cities

Natural resources

fish, crayfish Glorioso Islands and Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) have guano, phosphates, and coconuts

Terrain

a volcanic island with steep coastal cliffs; the center floor of the volcano is a large plateau triangular in shape, the island is the top of a volcano, rocky with steep cliffs on the eastern side; has active thermal springs a large archipelago formed from the Crozet Plateau is divided into two groups of islands the interior of the large island of Ile Kerguelen is composed of rugged terrain of high mountains, hills, valleys, and plains with a number of peninsulas stretching off its coasts atoll, awash at high tide; shallow (15 m) lagoon low, flat, and sandy low, flat, sandy; likely volcanic seamount

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses)

atoll, awash at high tide; shallow (15 m) lagoon

Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island

low, flat, and sandy

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul)

a volcanic island with steep coastal cliffs; the center floor of the volcano is a large plateau

Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul)

triangular in shape, the island is the top of a volcano, rocky with steep cliffs on the eastern side; has active thermal springs

Iles Crozet

a large archipelago formed from the Crozet Plateau is divided into two groups of islands

Iles Kerguelen

the interior of the large island of Ile Kerguelen is composed of rugged terrain of high mountains, hills, valleys, and plains with a number of peninsulas stretching off its coasts

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses)

low, flat, sandy; likely volcanic seamount

Population

no indigenous inhabitants has no permanent residents but has a meteorological station is uninhabited but is frequently visited by fishermen and has a scientific research cabin for short stays are uninhabited except for 18 to 30 people staffing the Alfred Faure research station on Ile del la Possession 50 to 100 scientists are located at the main base at Port-aux-Francais on Ile Kerguelen uninhabitable a small French military garrison and a few meteorologists on each possession; visited by scientists uninhabited, except for visits by scientists

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses)

uninhabitable

Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses)

a small French military garrison and a few meteorologists on each possession; visited by scientists

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul)

has no permanent residents but has a meteorological station

Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul)

is uninhabited but is frequently visited by fishermen and has a scientific research cabin for short stays

Iles Crozet

are uninhabited except for 18 to 30 people staffing the Alfred Faure research station on Ile del la Possession

Iles Kerguelen

50 to 100 scientists are located at the main base at Port-aux-Francais on Ile Kerguelen

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses)

uninhabited, except for visits by scientists

Administrative divisions

none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are five administrative districts named Iles Crozet, Iles Eparses, Iles Kerguelen, Ile Saint-Paul et Ile Amsterdam; the fifth district is the "Adelie Land" claim in Antarctica that is not recognized by the US

Country name

Territory of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands French Southern and Antarctic Lands Territoire des Terres Australes et Antarctiques Francaises Terres Australes et Antarctiques Francaises TAAF

abbreviation

TAAF

conventional long form

Territory of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands

conventional short form

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

local long form

Territoire des Terres Australes et Antarctiques Francaises

local short form

Terres Australes et Antarctiques Francaises

Dependency status

overseas territory of France since 1955

Diplomatic representation from the US

none (overseas territory of France)

Diplomatic representation in the US

none (overseas territory of France)

Executive branch

President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007), represented by Senior Administrator Christian GAUDIN (since 4 November 2010)

chief of state

President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007), represented by Senior Administrator Christian GAUDIN (since 4 November 2010)

Flag description

the flag of France is used

International organization participation

UPU

Legal system

the laws of France, where applicable, apply

National anthem

as a territory of France, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France)

note

as a territory of France, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France)

National symbol(s)

sea lion

Economy - overview

Economic activity is limited to servicing meteorological and geophysical research stations, military bases, and French and other fishing fleets. The fish catches landed on Iles Kerguelen by foreign ships are exported to France and Reunion.

Communications - note

one or more meteorological stations on each possession

Internet country code

.tf

Internet hosts

44 (2010)

Airports

4; note - one each on Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, and Tromelin Island in the Iles Eparses district (2010)

Ports and terminals

none; offshore anchorage only

Transportation - note

Europa Island 18 m; Juan de Nova Island (W side) 37 m; Tromelin Island (NW point) 11m (all in the Iles Eparses district)

aids to navigation - lighthouses

Europa Island 18 m; Juan de Nova Island (W side) 37 m; Tromelin Island (NW point) 11m (all in the Iles Eparses district)

Military - note

defense is the responsibility of France

Disputes - international

French claim to "Adelie Land" in Antarctica is not recognized by the US claimed by Madagascar; the vegetated drying cays of Banc du Geyser, which were claimed by Madagascar in 1976, also fall within the EEZ claims of the Comoros and France (Glorioso Islands) claimed by Mauritius

Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses)

claimed by Madagascar; the vegetated drying cays of Banc du Geyser, which were claimed by Madagascar in 1976, also fall within the EEZ claims of the Comoros and France (Glorioso Islands)

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses)

claimed by Mauritius