Background: This atoll is a volcanic rock surrounded by reefs and is awash at high tide. A French possession since 1897 it was placed under the administration of a commissioner residing in Reunion in 1968.

Geographic coordinates: 21 30 S 39 50 E

Map reference: Africa

Area
Total: 0.2 km²
Land: 0.2 km²
Water: 0 km²
Comparative: about one-third the size of The Mall in Washington DC

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 35.2 km

Maritime claims
Territorial sea: 12 nm
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate: tropical

Terrain: volcanic rock

Elevation
Extremes lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
Extremes highest point: unnamed location 2.4 m

Natural resources: none

Land use
Arable land: 0%
Permanent crops: 0%
Other: 100% (all rock) (2001)

Irrigated land: 0 km² (1998 est.)

Natural hazards: maritime hazard since it is usually under water during high tide and surrounded by reefs; subject to periodic cyclones

Geography
Note: the islands emerge from a circular reef that sits atop a long-extinct submerged volcano

Population: uninhabited (July 2005 est.)

Environment
Current issues: NA

Country name
Conventional long form: none
Conventional short form: Bassas da India

Legal system: the laws of France where applicable apply

Flag description: the flag of France is used

Economy overview: no economic activity

Disputes international: claimed by Madagascar