Location:
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Southern Africa, island in the Mozambique Channel, about one-half of the way from northern Madagascar to northern Mozambique
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Geographic coordinates:
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12 50 S, 45 10 E
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Map references:
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Africa
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Area:
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total: 374 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 374 sq km
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Area - comparative:
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slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC
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Land boundaries:
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0 km
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Coastline:
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185.2 km
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Maritime claims:
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exclusive economic zone: 200 NM
territorial sea: 12 NM
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Climate:
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tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during northeastern monsoon (November to May); dry season is cooler (May to November)
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Terrain:
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generally undulating, with deep ravines and ancient volcanic peaks
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Elevation extremes:
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lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Benara 660 m
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Natural resources:
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NEGL
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Land use:
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arable land: NA%
permanent crops: NA%
other: NA% (1998 est.)
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Irrigated land:
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NA sq km
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Natural hazards:
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cyclones during rainy season
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Environment - current issues:
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NA
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Geography - note:
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part of Comoro Archipelago; 18 islands
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