Introduction
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
Location
Middle America, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, 1,120 km southwest of Mexico
Geographic coordinates
10 17 N, 109 13 W
Area (sq km)
total: 6 sq km
land: 6 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative (sq km)
about 12 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Land boundaries (km)
0 km
Coastline (km)
11.1 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate
tropical; humid, average temperature 20-32 degrees C, wet season (May to October)
Terrain
coral atoll
Elevation extremes (m)
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Rocher Clipperton 29 m
Natural resources
fish
Land use (%)
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (all coral) (2011)
Natural hazards
NA
Environment - current issues
NA
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
Government
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
Legal system
the laws of France apply
Flag description
the flag of France is used
Economy
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
Ports and terminals
none; offshore anchorage only
Transnational Issues
Disputes - international
none
Largest cities of Clipperton Island
These are the 50 largest cities of Clipperton Island ordered based on their number of inhabitants.
| # | City | Population |
|---|