From CIA World Factbook 2002 :
Bassas da India
Introduction Bassas da India
----------------------------
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.
Geography Bassas da India
-------------------------
Location: Southern Africa, islands in the
southern Mozambique Channel, about
one-half of the way from Madagascar
to Mozambique
Geographic coordinates: 21 30 S, 39 50 E
Map references: Africa
Area: total: 0.2 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 0.2 sq km
Area - comparative: about one-third the size of The Mall
in Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 35.2 km
Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM
territorial sea: 12 NM
Climate: tropical
Terrain: volcanic rock
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 2.4
m
Natural resources: none
Land use: arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (all rock) (1998 est.)
Irrigated land: 0 sq km (1998 est.)
Natural hazards: maritime hazard since it is usually
under water during high tide and
surrounded by reefs; subject to
periodic cyclones
Environment - current issues: NA
Geography - note: the islands emerge from a circular
reef that sits atop a long-extinct,
submerged volcano
People Bassas da India
----------------------
Population: uninhabited (July 2002 est.)
Population growth rate: NA
Government Bassas da India
--------------------------
Country name: conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Bassas da
India
Dependency status: possession of France; administered
by a high commissioner of the
Republic, resident in Reunion
Legal system: the laws of France, where
applicable, apply
Flag description: the flag of France is used
Economy Bassas da India
-----------------------
Economy - overview: no economic activity
Transportation Bassas da India
------------------------------
Waterways: none
Ports and harbors: none; offshore anchorage only
Military Bassas da India
------------------------
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of
France
Transnational Issues Bassas da India
------------------------------------
Disputes - international: claimed by Madagascar