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.
Geography
Clipperton Island
Location:
Middle America, atoll in the
North Pacific Ocean, 1,120 km southwest of Mexico
Geographic coordinates:
10 17 N, 109 13 W
Map references:
Political Map of the World
Area:
total: 6 sq km
land: 6 sq km water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative:
about 12 times the size of The
Mall in Washington, DC
conventional long form:
none conventional short form: Clipperton Island local
long form: none local short form: Ile Clipperton
former: sometimes called Ile de la Passion
Dependency status:
possession of France;
administered directly by the Minister of Overseas France
Legal system:
the laws of France, where
applicable, apply
Flag description:
the flag of France is used
Economy
Clipperton Island
Economy - overview:
Although 115 species of fish
have been identified in the territorial waters of Clipperton Island, the
only economic activity is tuna fishing.
