From Wikitravel

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This uninhabited volcanic island is almost entirely covered by glaciers and is difficult to approach. It was discovered in 1739 by a French naval officer after whom the island was named. No claim was made until 1825 when the British flag was raised. In 1928, the UK waived its claim in favor of Norway, which had occupied the island the previous year. In 1971, Bouvet Island and the adjacent territorial waters were designated a nature reserve. Since 1977, Norway has run an automated meteorological station on the island.

[edit] Geography

Location 

Southern Africa, island in the South Atlantic Ocean, south-southwest of the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa)

Geographic coordinates 

54 26 S, 3 24 E

Map references 

Antarctic Region

Area 

total: 58.5 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 58.5 sq km

Area - comparative 

about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries 

0 km

Coastline 

29.6 km

Maritime claims 

territorial sea: 4 NM

Climate 

antarctic

Terrain 

volcanic; coast is mostly inaccessible

Elevation extremes 

lowest point: South Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Olav Peak 935 m

Natural resources 

none

Land use 

arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (93% ice) (1998 est.)

Irrigated land 

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards 

NA

Environment - current issues 

NA

Geography - note 

covered by glacial ice; declared a nature reserve

[edit] People

Population 

uninhabited (July 2002 est.)

[edit] Government

Country name 

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Bouvet Island

Dependency status 

territory of Norway; administered by the Polar Department of the Ministry of Justice and Police from Oslo

Legal system 

the laws of Norway, where applicable, apply

Flag description 

the flag of Norway is used

[edit] Economy

Economy - overview 

no economic activity; declared a nature reserve

[edit] Communications

Internet country code 

.bv

Communications - note 

automatic meteorological station

[edit] Transportation

Waterways 

none

Ports and harbors 

none; offshore anchorage only

[edit] Military

Military - note 

defense is the responsibility of Norway

[edit] Transnational Issues

Disputes - international 

none