Page last updated on October 25, 2013

Introduction:
Background:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
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. 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. 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, Norway has run an automated meteorological station and studied foraging strategies and distribution of fur seals and penguins on the island.
Geography:
Location:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
island in the South Atlantic Ocean, southwest of the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa)
Geographic coordinates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
54 26 S, 3 24 E
Map references:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Antarctic Region
Area:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 49 sq km
country comparison to the world: 233
land: 49 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 km
Coastline:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
29.6 km
Maritime claims:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
territorial sea: 4 nm
Climate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
antarctic
Terrain:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
volcanic; coast is mostly inaccessible
Elevation extremes:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lowest point: South Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Olav Peak 935 m
Natural resources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none
Land use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (93% ice) (2011)
Natural hazards:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
Environment - current issues:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
Geography - note:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
covered by glacial ice; declared a nature reserve by Norway
Population:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
uninhabited
Government:
Country name:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Bouvet Island
Dependency status:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
territory of Norway; administered by the Polar Department of the Ministry of Justice and Oslo Police
Legal system:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
the laws of Norway, where applicable, apply
Flag description:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
the flag of Norway is used
Economy:
Economy - overview:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
no economic activity; declared a nature reserve
Internet country code:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
.bv
Internet hosts:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
6 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 230
Communications - note:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
has an automatic meteorological station
Ports and terminals:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none; offshore anchorage only
Military:
Military - note:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
defense is the responsibility of Norway