GEOGRAPHY
Location:
Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar
Geographic coordinates: 21 06 S, 55 36 E
Map references: World
Area:
total area: 2,510 sq km
land area: 2,500 sq km
comparative area: slightly smaller than Rhode Island
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 201 km
Maritime claims:
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: tropical, but moderates with elevation; cool and
dry from May to November, hot and rainy from November to April
Terrain: mostly rugged and mountainous; fertile lowlands along
coast
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Piton des Neiges 3,069 m
Natural resources: fish, arable land
Land use:
arable land: 16%
permanent crops: 3%
meadows and pastures: 5%
forest and woodland: 35%
other: 41% (1993)
Irrigated land: 60 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:
current issues: NA
natural hazards: periodic, devastating cyclones (December
to April); Piton de la Fournaise on the southeastern coast is
an active volcano
international agreements: NA
