The World Factbook. 2008.
Bassas da India
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| Background: | This atoll is a volcanic rock surrounded by reefs and is awash at high tide. A French possession since 1897, it was placed under the administration of a commissioner residing in Reunion in 1968. |
| Geography | |
| Location: | Southern Africa, islands in the southern Mozambique Channel, about one-half of the way from Madagascar to Mozambique |
| Geographic coordinates: | 21 30 S, 39 50 E |
| Map references: | Africa |
| Area: | total: 0.2 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 0.2 sq km |
| Area—comparative: | about one-third the size of The Mall in Washington, DC |
| Land boundaries: | 0 km |
| Coastline: | 35.2 km |
| Maritime claims: | exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM |
| Climate: | tropical |
| Terrain: | volcanic rock |
| Elevation extremes: | lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 2.4 m |
| Natural resources: | none |
| Land use: | arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (all rock) (1998 est.) |
| Irrigated land: | 0 sq km (1998 est.) |
| Natural hazards: | maritime hazard since it is usually under water during high tide and surrounded by reefs; subject to periodic cyclones |
| Environment—current issues: | NA |
| Geography—note: | the islands emerge from a circular reef that sits atop a long-extinct, submerged volcano |
| People | |
| Population: | uninhabited (July 2003 est.) |
| Government | |
| Country name: | conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bassas da India |
| Dependency status: | possession of France; administered by a high commissioner of the Republic, resident in Reunion |
| Legal system: | the laws of France, where applicable, apply |
| Flag description: | the flag of France is used |
| Economy | |
| Economy—overview: | no economic activity |
| Transportation | |
| Waterways: | none |
| Ports and harbors: | none; offshore anchorage only |
| Military | |
| Military—note: | defense is the responsibility of France |
| Transnational Issues | |
| Disputes—international: | claimed by Madagascar |