Natural hazards:
maritime hazard since it is usually under water during high tide
and surrounded by reefs; subject to periodic cyclones
Environment - current issues:
NA
Geography - note:
the islands emerge from a circular reef that sits atop a
long-extinct, submerged volcano
People Bassas da India
Population: uninhabited (July 2003 est.)
Government Bassas da India
Country name:
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Bassas da India
Dependency status:
possession of France; administered by a high commissioner of the
Republic, resident in Reunion
Legal system:
the laws of France, where applicable, apply
Flag description:
the flag of France is used