Juan de Nova Island
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Juan de Nova Island lies in the Mozambique Channel, between Madagascar and Mozambique.
it is part of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands. It is also considered part of the Îles Éparses (Scattered Islands or Scattered Islands in the Indian Ocean -Îles éparses de l'océan indien) which include Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands (Glorieuse), Juan de Nova Island, and Tromelin Island.
Named after a famous 15th century Spanish navigator and explorer, the island has been a French possession since 1897.
It has been exploited for its guano and phosphate.
Juan de Nova Island is a wildlife sanctuary for seabirds and sea turtles.
Presently a small military garrison oversees a meteorological station.
Geographic Coodinates: 17 03 S, 42 45 E
Area: 4.4 sq km
Coastline: 24.1 km
Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf of 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Climate: tropical
Terrain: low, flat, and sandy. The highest point is an unnamed location (10 m).
Natural Resources: fish, crayfish
Land Use: 90% forest, 10% other
Natural Hazard: subject to periodic cyclones
