Background: This uninhabited volcanic island is almost entirely covered by glaciers and is difficult to approach. It was discovered in 1739 by a French naval officer after whom the island was 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 it has run an automated meteorological station on the island.

Geographic coordinates: 54 26 S 3 24 E

Map reference: Antarctic Region

Area
Total: 49 km²
Rank: 232
Land: 49 km²
Water: 0 km²
Comparative: about 0.3 times the size of Washington DC

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 29.6 km

Maritime claims
Territorial sea: 4 nm

Climate: antarctic

Terrain: volcanic; coast is mostly inaccessible

Elevation
Extremes lowest point: South Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Extremes highest point: Olav Peak 935 m

Natural resources: none

Land use
Arable land: 0%
Permanent crops: 0%
Other: 100% (93% ice) (2005)

Irrigated land: 0 km²

Natural hazards: NA

Geography
Note: covered by glacial ice; declared a nature reserve by Norway

Population: uninhabited

Environment
Current issues: NA

Country name
Conventional long form: none
Conventional short form: Bouvet Island

Legal system: the laws of Norway where applicable apply

Flag description: the flag of Norway is used

Economy overview: no economic activity; declared a nature reserve

Internet
Country code: .bv
Hosts: 6 (2010)
Hosts rank: 225

Ports and terminals: none; offshore anchorage only

Disputes international: none