First explored by the French in 1776, the island came under the jurisdiction of Reunion in 1814. At present, it serves as a sea turtle sanctuary and is the site of an important meteorological station.

Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar

15 52 S, 54 25 E

total: 1 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 1 sq km

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

tropical

low, flat, and sandy; likely volcanic

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 7 m

fish

climatologically important location for forecasting cyclones; wildlife sanctuary (seabirds, tortoises)

uninhabited, except for visits by scientists (July 2004 est.)

possession of France; administered by a high commissioner of the Republic, resident in Reunion

the laws of France, where applicable, apply

no economic activity

important meteorological station

none; offshore anchorage only

1 (2003 est.)