Introduction Iles Eparses
Background:
The Iles Eparses, or scattered islands, are a group of five French
entities - Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de
Nova Island, and Tromelin Island - which on 1 April 1960 came under
the authority of the Minister in charge of overseas possessions. On
19 September 1960 by decree, the islands were transferred to the
charge of the Prefet of Reunion where they remained until 3 January
2005 when they were transferred by another decree to the Senior
Administrator of the Territory of the French Southern and Antarctic
Lands (TAAF).
Bassas da India: A French possession since 1897, this atoll is a
volcanic seamount surrounded by reefs and awash at high tide.
Europa Island: A French possession since 1897, the island is heavily
wooded; it is the site of a small military garrison that staffs a
weather station.
Glorioso Islands: A French possession since 1892, the Glorioso
Islands are composed of two lushly vegetated coral islands (Ile
Glorieuse and Ile du Lys) and three rock islets. A military garrison
operates a weather and radio station on Ile Glorieuse.
Juan de Nova Island: Named after a famous 15th century Spanish
navigator and explorer, the island has been a French possession
since 1897. It has been exploited for its guano and phosphate.
Presently a small military garrison oversees a meteorological
station.
Tromelin Island: First explored by the French in 1776, the island
came under the jurisdiction of Reunion in 1814. At present, it
serves as a sea turtle sanctuary and is the site of an important
meteorological station.
Geography Iles Eparses
Location:
Southern Africa, in the Indian Ocean
Bassas da India: atoll in the southern Mozambique Channel, about
half way from Madagascar to Mozambique
Europa Island: island in the Mozambique Channel, about half way
between southern Madagascar and southern Mozambique
Glorioso Islands: group of islands in the Indian Ocean, northwest of
Madagascar
Juan de Nova Island: island in the Mozambique Channel, about
one-third of the way between Madagascar and Mozambique
Tromelin Island: island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar
Geographic coordinates:
Bassas da India: 21 30 S, 39 50 E
Europa Island: 22 20 S, 40 22 E
Glorioso Islands: 11 30 S, 47 20 E
Juan de Nova Island: 17 03 S, 42 45 E
Tromelin Island: 15 52 S, 54 25 E
Map references:
Africa
Area:
Bassas da India: total - 80 sq km; land - 0.2 sq km; water - 79.8
sq km (lagoon)
Europa Island: total - 28 sq km; land - 28 sq km; water - 0 sq km
Glorioso Islands: total - 5 sq km; land - 5 sq km; water - 0 sq km
Juan de Nova Island: total - 4.4 sq km; land - 4.4 sq km; water - 0
sq km
Tromelin Island: total - 1 sq km; land - 1 sq km; water - 0 sq km
Area - comparative:
Bassas da India: land area about one-third the size of The Mall in
Washington, DC
Europa Island: about one-sixth the size of Washington, DC
Glorioso Islands: about eight times the size of The Mall in
Washington, DC
Juan de Nova Island: about seven times the size of The Mall in
Washington, DC
Tromelin Island: about 1.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington,
DC
Land boundaries:
none
Coastline:
Bassas da India: 35.2 km
Europa Island: 22.2 km
Glorioso Islands: 35.2 km
Juan de Nova Island: 24.1 km
Tromelin Island: 3.7 km