Background :This isolated island was named for John CLIPPERTON, a pirate who made it his hideout early in the 18th century. Annexed by France in 1855, it was seized by Mexico in 1897. Arbitration eventually awarded the island to France, 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 Map references :Political Map of the World Area :total: 6 sq km land: 6 sq km water: 0 sq kmArea—comparative :about 12 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries :0 km Coastline :11.1 km Maritime claims :territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nmClimate :tropical; humid, average temperature 20-32 degrees C, wet season (May to October) Terrain :coral atoll Elevation extremes :lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Rocher Clipperton 29 mNatural resources :fish Land use :arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (all coral) (2005)Irrigated land :0 sq km Natural hazards :NA Environment—current issues :NA Geography—note :reef 12 km in circumference People Population :uninhabited 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 PassionDependency status :possession of France; administered directly by the Minister of Overseas France Legal system :the laws of France, where applicable, 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 Military Military—note :defense is the responsibility of France Transnational Issues Disputes—international :none
