SELECT EDITION
CATEGORIES
◆ COMMUNICATIONS(3 fields)
Communications - note
has an automatic meteorological station
Internet country code
.bv
Internet hosts
6 (2012) country comparison to the world: 230
◆ ECONOMY(1 fields)
Economy - overview
no economic activity; declared a nature reserve
◆ GEOGRAPHY(16 fields)
Area
total: 49 sq km country comparison to the world: 233 land: 49 sq km water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative
about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC
Climate
antarctic
Coastline
29.6 km
Elevation extremes
lowest point: South Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Olav Peak 935 m
Environment - current issues
NA
Geographic coordinates
54 26 S, 3 24 E
Geography - note
covered by glacial ice; declared a nature reserve by Norway
Land boundaries
0 km
Land use
arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (93% ice) (2011)
Location
island in the South Atlantic Ocean, southwest of the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa)
Map references
Antarctic Region
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 4 nm
Natural hazards
NA
Natural resources
none
Terrain
volcanic; coast is mostly inaccessible
◆ GOVERNMENT(4 fields)
Country name
conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bouvet Island
Dependency status
territory of Norway; administered by the Polar Department of the Ministry of Justice and Oslo Police
Flag description
the flag of Norway is used
Legal system
the laws of Norway, where applicable, apply
◆ INTRODUCTION(1 fields)
Background
This uninhabited, volcanic, Antarctic island is almost entirely covered by glaciers making it difficult to approach; it is recognized as the most remote island on Earth. Bouvet Island was discovered in 1739 by a French naval officer after whom it is named. No claim was made until 1825, when the British flag was raised. In 1928, the UK waived its claim in favor of Norway, which had occupied the island the previous year. In 1971, Norway designated Bouvet Island and the adjacent territorial waters a nature reserve. Since 1977, Norway has run an automated meteorological station and studied foraging strategies and distribution of fur seals and penguins on the island.
◆ MILITARY(1 fields)
Military - note
defense is the responsibility of Norway
◆ PEOPLE AND SOCIETY(1 fields)
Population
uninhabited
◆ TRANSNATIONAL ISSUES(1 fields)
Disputes - international
none
◆ TRANSPORTATION(1 fields)
Ports and terminals
none; offshore anchorage only