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, Norway designated Bouvet Island and the adjacent territorial waters a nature reserve. Since 1977, it has run an automated meteorological station on the island.

island in the South Atlantic Ocean, southwest of the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa)
54 26 S, 3 24 E
Antarctic Region
total: 49 sq km ; land: 49 sq km ; water: 0 sq km
about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC
0 km
29.6 km
territorial sea: 4 nm
antarctic
volcanic; coast is mostly inaccessible
lowest point: South Atlantic Ocean 0 m ; highest point: Olav Peak 935 m
none
arable land: 0% ; permanent crops: 0% ; other: 100% (93% ice) (2005)
0 sq km


NA
NA

covered by glacial ice; declared a nature reserve
uninhabited




















conventional long form: none ; conventional short form: Bouvet Island







the laws of Norway, where applicable, apply







the flag of Norway is used


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




no economic activity; declared a nature reserve

























































.bv
6 (2007)


automatic meteorological station









none; offshore anchorage only







defense is the responsibility of Norway
none



