
Spratly Islands in the World
Spratly Islands - Introduction 2025
top of pageBackground: The Spratly Islands consist of more than 100 small islands or reefs surrounded by rich fishing grounds -- and potentially by gas and oil deposits. China, Taiwan, and Vietnam all claim the islands in their entirety, while portions are claimed by Malaysia and the Philippines. Around 70 disputed islets and reefs in the Spratly Islands are occupied by China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Since 1985, Brunei has claimed a continental shelf that overlaps a southern reef but has not made any formal claim to the reef. Brunei claims an exclusive economic zone over this area.
Spratly Islands - Geography 2025
top of pageLocation
Geographic coordinates
Map reference
Area
Total: 5 km² less than
Land: 5 km² less than
Water: 0 km²
Note: includes over 100 islets, coral reefs, and sea mounts scattered over an area of nearly 410,000 km² (158,000 sq mi) in the central South China Sea
Comparative: land area is about seven times the size of the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Land boundaries
Total: 0 km
Coastline: 926 km
Maritime claims
Climate: tropical
Terrain: small, flat islands, islets, cays, and reefs
Elevation
Highest point: unnamed location on Southwest Cay 6 m
Lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
Natural resources
Land use
Land use
Other: 100% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land
Major rivers
Major watersheds area km²
Total water withdrawal
Total renewable water resources
Natural hazards: typhoons; numerous reefs and shoals pose a serious maritime hazard
Geography
Note: strategically located near several primary shipping lanes in the central South China Sea; includes numerous small islands, atolls, shoals, and coral reefs
Spratly Islands - People 2025
top of pagePopulation
Total: no permanent inhabitants
Note: scattered garrisons are occupied by military personnel of several claimant states
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Spratly Islands - Government 2025
top of pageCountry name
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Spratly Islands - Economy 2025
top of pageEconomy overview
Real gdp purchasing power parity
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Spratly Islands - Energy 2025
top of pageElectricity
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Spratly Islands - Communication 2025
top of pageTelephones
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Spratly Islands - Military 2025
top of pageMilitary expenditures
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Spratly Islands - Transportation 2025
top of pageNational air transport system
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Spratly Islands - Transnational issues 2025
top of pageDisputes international
Refugees and internally displaced persons
Illicit drugs
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