Bassas da India Geography Location: Southern Africa, islands in the southern Mozambique Channel, about one-half of the way from Madagascar to Mozambique Geographic coordinates: 21 30 S, 39 50 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 0.2 sq km land: 0.2 sq km water: 0 sq km AreaÑcomparative: about one-third the size of The Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 35.2 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: tropical Terrain: a volcanic rock 2.4 meters high Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 2.4 m Natural resources: none Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% permanent pastures: 0% forests and woodland: 0% other: 100% (all rock) Irrigated land: 0 sq km (1993) Natural hazards: maritime hazard since it is usually under water during high tide and surrounded by reefs; subject to periodic cyclones EnvironmentÑcurrent issues: NA EnvironmentÑinternational agreements: party to: NA signed, but not ratified: NA People Population: uninhabited Government Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bassas da India Data code: BS Dependency status: possession of France; administered by a high commissioner of the Republic, resident in Reunion Legal system: NA Diplomatic representation in the US: none (possession of France) Diplomatic representation from the US: none (possession of France) Flag description: the flag of France is used Economy EconomyÑoverview: no economic activity Transportation Ports and harbors: none; offshore anchorage only Military MilitaryÑnote: defense is the responsibility of France Transnational Issues DisputesÑinternational: claimed by Madagascar