This isolated island was named for John CLIPPERTON, a pirate who made it his hideout early in the 18th century. Annexed by France in 1855, it was seized by Mexico in 1897. Arbitration eventually awarded the island to France, which took possession in 1935.

Middle America, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, 1,120 km southwest of Mexico

10 17 N, 109 13 W

Political Map of the World

about 12 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

0 km

11.1 km

tropical; humid, average temperature 20-32 degrees C, wet season (May to October)

coral atoll

fish

0 sq km

NA

NA

reef 12 km in circumference

uninhabited

possession of France; administered directly by the Minister of Overseas France

the laws of France, where applicable, apply

the flag of France is used

Although 115 species of fish have been identified in the territorial waters of Clipperton Island, the only economic activity is tuna fishing.

none; offshore anchorage only

defense is the responsibility of France

none