Europa Island 

Flag of Europa Island

Map of Europa Island

Background:

A French possession since 1897, the island is heavily wooded; it is the site of a small military garrison that staffs a weather station.
Location:

Southern Africa, island in the Mozambique Channel, about one-half of the way from southern Madagascar to southern Mozambique

Geographic coordinates:

22 20 S, 40 22 E

Area:

total: 28 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 28 sq km

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

low and flat

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 24 m

Geography - note:

wildlife sanctuary

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants
note: there is a small French military garrison and a few meteorologists; visited by scientists (July 2004 est.)

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

Economy - overview:

no economic activity

Communications - note:

1 meteorological station

Ports and harbors:

none; offshore anchorage only

Airports:

1 (2003 est.)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2003 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

Disputes - international:

claimed by Madagascar