Page last updated on October 25, 2013
The Spratly Islands consist of more than 100 small islands or reefs. They are surrounded by rich fishing grounds and potentially by gas and oil deposits. They are claimed in their entirety by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, while portions are claimed by Malaysia and the Philippines. About 45 islands are occupied by relatively small numbers of military forces from China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Since 1985 Brunei has claimed a continental shelf that overlaps a southern reef but has not made any formal claim to the reef. Brunei claims an exclusive economic zone over this area.
Southeastern Asia, group of reefs and islands in the South China Sea, about two-thirds of the way from southern Vietnam to the southern Philippines
total: less than 5 sq km
country comparison to the world: 248
land: less than 5 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes 100 or so islets, coral reefs, and sea mounts scattered over an area of nearly 410,000 sq km of the central South China Sea
lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
highest point: unnamed location on Southwest Cay 4 m
fish, guano, undetermined oil and natural gas potential
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2011)
typhoons; numerous reefs and shoals pose a serious maritime hazard
strategically located near several primary shipping lanes in the central South China Sea; includes numerous small islands, atolls, shoals, and coral reefs
no indigenous inhabitants
note: there are scattered garrisons occupied by military personnel of several claimant states
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Spratly Islands
Economic activity is limited to commercial fishing. The proximity to nearby oil- and gas-producing sedimentary basins suggests the potential for oil and gas deposits, but the region is largely unexplored. There are no reliable estimates of potential reserves. Commercial exploitation has yet to be developed.
4 (2013)
country comparison to the world: 191
total: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 1 (2013)
total: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2013)
none; offshore anchorage only
Spratly Islands consist of more than 100 small islands or reefs of which about 45 are claimed and occupied by China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam
