Clipperton Island
Introduction
Background
This isolated atoll was named for John CLIPPERTON, an English pirate who was rumored to have made it his hideout early in the 18th century. Annexed by France in 1855 and claimed by the US, it was seized by Mexico in 1897. Arbitration eventually awarded the island to France in 1931, which took possession in 1935.
Geography
Location
Middle America, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, 1,120 km southwest of Mexico
Geographic coordinates
10 17 N, 109 13 W
Map references
Political Map of the World
Area
total
6 sq km
land
6 sq km
water
0 sq km
Area - comparative
about 12 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Land boundaries
total
0 km
Coastline
11.1 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea
12 nm
exclusive economic zone
200 nm
Climate
tropical; humid, average temperature 20-32 degrees Celsius, wet season (May to October)
Terrain
coral atoll
Elevation
highest point
Rocher Clipperton 29 m
lowest point
Pacific Ocean 0 m
Natural resources
fish
Land use
agricultural land
0% (2018 est.)
forest
0% (2018 est.)
other
100% (2018 est.)
Natural hazards
subject to tropical storms and hurricanes from May to October
Geography - note
the atoll reef is approximately 12 km (7.5 mi) in circumference
People and Society
Population
total
uninhabited
Environment
Environmental issues
no natural resources, guano deposits depleted; stagnant fresh-water lagoon
Climate
tropical; humid, average temperature 20-32 degrees Celsius, wet season (May to October)
Land use
agricultural land
0% (2018 est.)
forest
0% (2018 est.)
other
100% (2018 est.)
Government
Country name
conventional long form
none
conventional short form
Clipperton Island
local long form
none
local short form
Ile Clipperton
former
sometimes referred to as Ile de la Passion or Atoll Clipperton
etymology
named after an 18th-century English pirate who is alleged to have used the island as a base starting in 1705
Dependency status
possession of France; administered directly by the Minister of Overseas France
Legal system
the laws of France apply
Flag
the flag of France is used
Economy
Communications
Transportation
Military and Security
Military - note
defense is the responsibility of France