World Factbook
Bouvet Island
Introduction
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. (It is furthest in distance from any other point of land, 1,639 km from Antarctica.) 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. A few expeditions visited the island in the late 19th century. In 1929, the UK waived its claim in favor of Norway, which had occupied the island two years previously. 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. In February 2006, an earthquake weakened the station's foundation causing it to be blown out to sea in a winter storm. Norway erected a new research station in 2014 that can hold six people for periods of two to four months.
Geography
Location
island in the South Atlantic Ocean, southwest of the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa)
Geographic coordinates
54 26 S, 3 24 E
Map references
Antarctic Region
Area
total: 49 sq km
land: 49 sq km
water: 0 sq km
country comparison to the world: 233
Area - comparative
about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries
0 km
Coastline
29.6 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 4nm
Climate
antarctic
Terrain
volcanic; coast is mostly inaccessible
Elevation
lowest point: South Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Olavtoppen (Olav Peak) 780 m
Natural resources
none
Land use
agricultural land: 0% (2011 est.)
arable land: 0% (2011 est.)/permanent crops: 0% (2011 est.)/permanent pasture: 0% (2011 est.)
forest: 0% (2011 est.)
other: 100% (2011 est.)
Natural hazards
occasional volcanism, rock slides; harsh climate, surrounded by pack ice in winter
Environment - current issues
none; almost entirely ice covered
Geography - note
almost entirely covered by glacial ice (93%); declared a nature reserve by Norway; the distance from Bouvet Island to Norway is 12,776 km, which is almost one-third the circumference of the earth
People and Society
Population
uninhabited
Government
Country name
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Bouvet Island
etymology: named after the French naval officer Jean-Baptiste Charles BOUVET who discovered the island in 1739
note: pronounced boo-vay i-land
Dependency status
territory of Norway; administered by the Polar Department of the Ministry of Justice and Oslo Police
Legal system
the laws of Norway apply where applicable
Flag description
the flag of Norway is used
Economy
Economy - overview
no economic activity; declared a nature reserve
Communications
Internet country code
.bv
Communications - note
has an automated meteorological station
Military and Security
Military - note
defense is the responsibility of Norway
Transportation
Ports and terminals
none; offshore anchorage only
Transnational Issues
Disputes - international
none
