Factbook Logo Tromelin Island
(possession of France)
Flag of Tromelin Island
   Introduction   Geography   People   Government   Economy   Communications   Transportation   Military   Transnational Issues  
Map of Tromelin Island

Tromelin Island    Introduction Top of Page
Background: 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.
Tromelin Island    Geography Top of Page
Location: Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar
Geographic coordinates: 15 52 S, 54 25 E
Map references: Africa
Area: total:  1 sq km

land:  1 sq km

water:  0 sq km
Area - comparative: about 1.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 3.7 km
Maritime claims: continental shelf:  200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:  200 NM

territorial sea:  12 NM
Climate: tropical
Terrain: low, flat, and sandy
Elevation extremes: lowest point:  Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point:  unnamed location 7 m
Natural resources: fish
Land use: arable land:  0%

permanent crops:  0%

permanent pastures:  0%

forests and woodland:  0%

other:  100% (scattered bushes)
Irrigated land: 0 sq km (1993)
Natural hazards: NA
Environment - current issues: NA
Geography - note: climatologically important location for forecasting cyclones; wildlife sanctuary
Tromelin Island    People Top of Page
Population: uninhabited (July 2001 est.)
Tromelin Island    Government Top of Page
Country name: conventional long form:  none

conventional short form:  Tromelin Island

local long form:  none

local short form:  Ile Tromelin
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
Tromelin Island    Economy Top of Page
Economy - overview: no economic activity
Tromelin Island    Communications Top of Page
Communications - note: important meteorological station
Tromelin Island    Transportation Top of Page
Waterways: none
Ports and harbors: none; offshore anchorage only
Airports: 1 (2000 est.)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total:  1

under 914 m:  1 (2000 est.)
Tromelin Island    Military Top of Page
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France
Tromelin Island    Transnational Issues Top of Page
Disputes - international: claimed by Madagascar and Mauritius