Page last updated on October 25, 2013
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.
island in the South Atlantic Ocean, southwest of the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa)
total: 49 sq km
country comparison to the world: 233
land: 49 sq km
water: 0 sq km
about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC
volcanic; coast is mostly inaccessible
lowest point: South Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Olav Peak 935 m
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (93% ice) (2011)
covered by glacial ice; declared a nature reserve by Norway
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Bouvet Island
territory of Norway; administered by the Polar Department of the Ministry of Justice and Oslo Police
the laws of Norway, where applicable, apply
the flag of Norway is used
no economic activity; declared a nature reserve
6 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 230
has an automatic meteorological station
none; offshore anchorage only
defense is the responsibility of Norway
