Clipperton Island
Introduction
Background
This isolated atoll was named for John CLIPPERTON, an English pirate who was rumored to have made it his hideout early in the 18th century. Annexed by France in 1855 and claimed by the US, it was seized by Mexico in 1897. Arbitration eventually awarded the island to France in 1931, which took possession in 1935.
Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.
Geography
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
Area - comparative
about 12 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Land boundaries
total: 0 km
Coastline
11.1 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate
tropical; humid, average temperature 20-32 degrees Celsius, wet season (May to October)
Terrain
coral atoll
Elevation
highest point: Rocher Clipperton 29 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
Land use
agricultural land: 0% (2018 est.)
forest: 0% (2018 est.)
other: 100% (2018 est.)
Natural hazards
subject to tropical storms and hurricanes from May to October
Geography - note
the atoll reef is approximately 12 km (7.5 mi) in circumference; an attempt to colonize the atoll in the early 20th century ended in disaster and was abandoned in 1917
People and Society
Population
uninhabited
Age structure
0-14 years: NA
15-24 years: NA
25-54 years: NA
55-64 years: NA
65 years and over: NA
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: NA
youth dependency ratio: NA
elderly dependency ratio: NA
potential support ratio: NA
Drinking water source
improved: urban: NA
rural: NA
total: NA
unimproved: urban: NA
rural: NA
total: NA
Environment
Environment - current issues
no natural resources, guano deposits depleted; the ring-shaped atoll encloses a stagnant fresh-water lagoon
Climate
tropical; humid, average temperature 20-32 degrees Celsius, wet season (May to October)
Land use
agricultural land: 0% (2018 est.)
forest: 0% (2018 est.)
other: 100% (2018 est.)
Government
Country name
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Clipperton Island
local long form: none
local short form: Ile Clipperton
former: sometimes referred to as Ile de la Passion or Atoll Clipperton
etymology: named after an 18th-century English pirate who supposedly used the island as a base
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
Economic overview
Although 115 species of fish have been identified in the territorial waters of Clipperton Island, tuna fishing is the only economically viable species.
Transportation
Ports and terminals
none; offshore anchorage only
Military and Security
Military - note
defense is the responsibility of France