Clipperton Island

Clipperton Island as the 2014 edition of the CIA World Factbook published it: 26 fields, one of 36 editions from 1990 to 2025.

field in that editiontext changed from the edition beforenot in that editionthe open editionEach field below ends in its editions, 1990 to 2025. Point at a year above to follow it down.

Position10 17 N, 109 13 W
Area6 sq km
LocationMiddle America, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, 1,120 km southwest of Mexico
Populationas each edition published it
Not in this edition 2,000 in 2000

Introduction

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Background

This isolated atoll was named for John CLIPPERTON, a pirate who was rumored to have made it his hideout early in the 18th century. Annexed by France in 1855 and claimed by the United States, it was seized by Mexico in 1897. Arbitration eventually awarded the island to France in 1931, which took possession in 1935.

Geography

Middle America, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, 1,120 km southwest of Mexico

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Land useshare of 6 sq km

permanent crops 0%other 100% (all coral) (2011)arable land 0% in all
Area
6sq km
country comparison to the world: 245land: 6 sq kmwater: 0 sq kmabout 12 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Coastline
11.1km
land boundaries: 0 kmterritorial sea: 12 nmexclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Highest point
29m
Rocher Clippertonlowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

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

Climate

tropical; humid, average temperature 20-32 degrees C, wet season (May to October)

Terrain

coral atoll

Geography - note

  • the atoll reef is approximately 12 km (7.5 mi) in circumference;
  • an effort to colonize the atoll in the early 20th century ended in disaster and was abandoned in 1917

People and Society

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Population

uninhabited

Government

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Country name

conventional long form:
none
conventional short form:
Clipperton Island
local long form:
none
local short form:
Ile Clipperton
former:
sometimes called Ile de la Passion

Dependency status

possession of France; administered directly by the Minister of Overseas France

Flag description

the flag of France is used

Economy

Although 115 species of fish have been identified in the territorial waters of Clipperton Island, the only economic activity is tuna fishing.

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Economy - overview

Although 115 species of fish have been identified in the territorial waters of Clipperton Island, the only economic activity is tuna fishing.

Transportation

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Ports and terminals

none; offshore anchorage only

Military

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Military - note

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues

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Cite this entry

Central Intelligence Agency. “Clipperton Island.” The World Factbook 2014. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/clipperton-island/2014.