Clipperton Island

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Clipperton Island (French: Île de Clipperton) is a small, uninhabited coral atoll in the eastern Pacific Ocean. It is an overseas minor territory of France, located approximately 1,280 kilometers southwest of Mexico.

Geography

Clipperton Island is a ring-shaped atoll with a central lagoon. The island is approximately 6 square kilometers in area, with its highest point being Clipperton Rock, which rises to 29 meters above sea level. The atoll is surrounded by a coral reef and has a tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures and humidity.

History

The island was named after the English pirate John Clipperton, who was active in the Pacific during the early 18th century. The first recorded sighting of the island was by the French in 1711. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Clipperton Island was claimed by several countries, including France, Mexico, and the United States.

In the late 19th century, the island became a site for guano mining, which was a valuable resource at the time. The Guano Islands Act of 1856 allowed U.S. citizens to take possession of unclaimed islands for guano mining, leading to American interest in Clipperton.

In 1931, the International Court of Arbitration awarded sovereignty over Clipperton Island to France, ending the territorial dispute with Mexico. Since then, the island has remained under French control.

Ecology

Clipperton Island is home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds, crabs, and fish. The island's lagoon is a breeding ground for several species of fish and is surrounded by coral reefs that support diverse marine life. The island's ecosystem is fragile and has been impacted by human activities in the past, including guano mining and military occupation.

Current Status

Today, Clipperton Island is uninhabited and is occasionally visited by scientists and military personnel. The French government maintains a presence on the island through periodic visits by naval vessels. The island is designated as a nature reserve, and access is restricted to protect its unique environment.

Also see

• Guano Islands Act
• French overseas territories
• Coral atoll
• International Court of Arbitration