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Europa Island
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Background:
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A French possession since 1897, the island
is heavily wooded; it is the site of a small military garrison that staffs a
weather station. |
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Location:
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Southern Africa, island in the Mozambique
Channel, about one-half of the way from southern Madagascar to southern
Mozambique |
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Geographic coordinates:
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22 20 S, 40 22 E |
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Area:
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total: 28 sq
km
water: 0 sq km
land: 28 sq km |
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Climate:
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tropical |
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Terrain:
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low and flat |
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Elevation extremes:
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lowest point:
Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 24 m |
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Geography - note:
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wildlife sanctuary |
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Population:
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no indigenous inhabitants
note: there is a small French military garrison and a few
meteorologists; visited by scientists (July 2004 est.) |
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Dependency status:
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possession of France; administered by a
high commissioner of the Republic, resident in Reunion |
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Legal system:
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the laws of France, where applicable,
apply |
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Economy - overview:
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no economic activity |
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Communications - note:
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1 meteorological station |
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Ports and harbors:
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none; offshore anchorage only |
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Airports:
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1 (2003 est.) |
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Airports - with unpaved runways:
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total: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2003 est.) |
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Military - note:
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defense is the responsibility of France
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Disputes - international:
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claimed by Madagascar |
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