Factbook Logo Bassas da India
(possession of France)
Flag of Bassas da India
   Introduction   Geography   People   Government   Economy   Transportation   Military   Transnational Issues  
Map of Bassas da India

Bassas da India    Introduction Top of Page
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.
Bassas da India    Geography Top of Page
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

land:  0.2 sq km

water:  0 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%

permanent pastures:  0%

forests and woodland:  0%

other:  100% (all rock)
Irrigated land: 0 sq km (1993)
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
Bassas da India    People Top of Page
Population: uninhabited (July 2001 est.)
Bassas da India    Government Top of Page
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
Bassas da India    Economy Top of Page
Economy - overview: no economic activity
Bassas da India    Transportation Top of Page
Waterways: none
Ports and harbors: none; offshore anchorage only
Bassas da India    Military Top of Page
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France
Bassas da India    Transnational Issues Top of Page
Disputes - international: claimed by Madagascar