|
GEOGRAPHY
Location:
Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Mozambique
total area: 587,040
sq km
comparative
area: slightly less than twice the size of Arizona
continental shelf:
200 nm or 100 nm from the 2,500-m isobath
exclusive economic zone:
200 nm
International
disputes: claims Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso
Islands, Juan de Nova Island, and Tromelin Island (all administered
by France)
Climate:
tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in south
Terrain:
narrow coastal plain, high plateau and mountains in center
Natural
resources: graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, salt, quartz,
tar sands, semiprecious stones, mica, fish
meadows and pastures:
58%
Irrigated
land: 9,000 sq km (1989 est.)
current issues: soil
erosion results from deforestation and overgrazing; desertification;
surface water contaminated with raw sewage and other organic wastes;
several species of flora and fauna unique to the island are endangered
natural hazards:
periodic cyclones
international
agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Marine Life Conservation,
Nuclear Test Ban; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Desertification, Law of the Sea
Note: world's fourth-largest
island; strategic location along Mozambique Channel
|
