# Clipperton Island

> French atoll in the Pacific Ocean

**Wikidata**: [Q161258](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q161258)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clipperton_Island)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/clipperton-island

## Summary
Clipperton Island is an uninhabited French atoll located in the North Pacific Ocean, situated approximately 10.3 degrees north latitude and 109.2 degrees west longitude. It is a dependent territory of France, classified as part of Overseas France, with a total land area of 6 square kilometers. The island is named after John Clipperton and is also known as "La Passion–Clipperton."

## Key Facts
- **Location**: North Pacific Ocean; North America
- **Coordinates**: 10.293888888889°N, -109.21722222222°W
- **Area**: 6 square kilometres
- **Elevation**: Maximum 29 metres (at Clipperton Rock)
- **Population**: 0 (as of 2016 and 2025)
- **Country**: France
- **Governance**: Minister for Overseas France (since 2007)
- **Time Zone**: UTC−08:00
- **Postal Code**: 98799
- **Discovery Date**: 2 April 1711
- **Discoverers**: Mathieu Martin de Chassiron, Michel Dubocage
- **Highest Point**: Clipperton Rock (29 m)
- **Lowest Point**: Pacific Ocean (0 m)
- **Emergency Phone Number**: 112

## FAQs
**What is the geographical location of Clipperton Island?**  
Clipperton Island is located in the North Pacific Ocean, within the continent of North America, at coordinates 10.293888888889°N, -109.21722222222°W.

**Who administers Clipperton Island?**  
The island is administered by the Minister for Overseas France, a position established in 2007. It is considered part of Overseas France.

**What are the key physical characteristics of Clipperton Island?**  
The island spans 6 square kilometres, with its highest point being Clipperton Rock at 29 metres above sea level, and its lowest point at sea level (Pacific Ocean).

**Is Clipperton Island inhabited?**  
No, Clipperton Island has a population of 0, as recorded in both 2016 and 2025.

**When was Clipperton Island discovered?**  
Clipperton Island was discovered on 2 April 1711 by explorers Mathieu Martin de Chassiron and Michel Dubocage.

**What are the significant events related to Clipperton Island?**  
Notable events include the "Clipperton Island Case" and the historical narrative of the "Forgotten People of Clipperton."

## Why It Matters
Clipperton Island holds geopolitical, ecological, and historical significance. As the only atoll under French sovereignty in the Pacific, it represents France's presence in the region. Its status as a dependent territory highlights ongoing discussions about sovereignty and administration in overseas regions. The island's unique ecosystem, classified as a WWF ecoregion (code NT0705), provides a habitat for endemic species and serves as a research site for biodiversity. Historically, its discovery in 1711 and subsequent naming reflect the broader era of maritime exploration.

## Notable For
- Being the only atoll under French administration in the Pacific.
- Having no permanent population, making it one of the few uninhabited French territories.
- Its role in the "Clipperton Island Case," a significant legal dispute.
- Hosting a unique ecosystem classified as a WWF ecoregion.
- Being named after John Clipperton, a notable figure in maritime history.

## Body

### Geography and Physical Features
Clipperton Island is a small atoll with a total area of 6 square kilometres. It is located in the North Pacific Ocean, near the western coast of Central America. The island's highest point is Clipperton Rock, rising 29 metres above sea level, while its lowest point is at sea level. The atoll is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and falls within the UTC−08:00 time zone.

### Governance and Administration
The island is a dependent territory of France and is part of Overseas France. It is administered by the Minister for Overseas France, a role established in 2007. The island's governance structure is unique, as it lacks a permanent population but remains under French sovereignty. The postal code for Clipperton Island is 98799.

### History and Discovery
Clipperton Island was discovered on 2 April 1711 by French explorers Mathieu Martin de Chassiron and Michel Dubocage. The island is named after John Clipperton, an English privateer. It has also been referred to as "La Passion–Clipperton" and "Passion Island." Significant historical events include the "Clipperton Island Case," a legal dispute over sovereignty, and the story of the "Forgotten People of Clipperton," a group stranded on the island in the early 20th century.

### Ecology and Environment
Clipperton Island is classified as a WWF ecoregion with the code NT0705. Its ecosystem includes shrub and grassland habitats, and it is recognized as a unique ecological area. The island's isolation has contributed to the development of endemic species, making it a site of interest for biological research.

### Demographics
The island has no permanent population, with census data from 2016 and 2025 recording a population of 0. It is occasionally visited by researchers, military personnel, and fishermen.

### Cultural and Scientific Significance
Clipperton Island has been the subject of various scientific studies and cultural references. Its unique status and history have made it a point of interest in legal, ecological, and historical research. The island is also included in several international databases, such as the Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names (ID: 1006024) and the Library of Congress Authority ID (sh90000274).

### Miscellaneous
- **Emergency Phone Number**: 112
- **Flag**: The flag of France is used.
- **ISO Codes**: FR-CP (ISO 3166-2), CP (ISO 3166-1 alpha-2), CPT (ISO 3166-1 alpha-3).
- **UNICODE Character**: 🇨🇵

## References

1. [Ocean Geographic. magazine](https://ogsociety.org/journal/featured-articles/287-ile-de-la-passion-clipperton.html)
2. MusicBrainz
3. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2028040#clipperton)
4. [Source](https://routes.fandom.com/wiki/%C3%8Ele_de_Clipperton_(989))
5. répertoire géographique des communes
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. [Source](https://legal.un.org/riaa/cases/vol_II/1105-1111.pdf)
8. FIPS 10-4
9. GeoNames
10. Quora
11. iNaturalist
12. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
13. KBpedia