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This isolated atoll was named for John CLIPPERTON, an English pirate who was rumored to have made it his hideout early in the 18th century. Annexed by France in 1855 and claimed by the US, it was seized by Mexico in 1897. Arbitration eventually awarded the island to France in 1931, 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

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

coral atoll

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Rocher Clipperton 29 m

fish

subject to tropical storms and hurricanes from May to October

no natural resources, guano deposits depleted; the ring-shaped atoll encloses a stagnant fresh-water lagoon

the atoll reef is approximately 12 km (7.5 mi) in circumference; an attempt to colonize the atoll in the early 20th century ended in disaster and was abandoned in 1917

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Clipperton Island

local long form: none

local short form: Ile Clipperton

former: sometimes referred to as Ile de la Passion or Atoll Clipperton

etymology: named after an 18th-century English pirate who supposedly used the island as a base

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

the laws of France apply

the flag of France is used

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

defense is the responsibility of France

none