Where is Bouvet Island?

Bouvet Island (/ ˈbuːveɪ / BOO-vay; Norwegian: Bouvetøya [bʉˈvèːœʏɑ]) is an uninhabited island and dependency of Norway. It is a protected nature reserve. It is a subantarctic volcanic island, situated in the South Atlantic Ocean at the southern end of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and is the world's most remote island.

How remote is Bouvet Island?

To understand how remote this island is, let’s take a look at what’s around it. The closest land to Bouvet Island is Queen Maud Land, in Antarctica, located 1,700 km to the south.

Does Bouvet Island have a cold climate?

Bouvet Island lies south of the Antarctic Convergence, a marine belt that encircles Antarctica and marks the point where the cold Antarctic waters meet the warmer waters of the surrounding oceans. Thus, Bouvet Island has an Antarctic climate, with cold temperatures all year round and little fluctuation.

How big is Bouvet Island?

Bouvet Island has an area of just 49 km 2, 93% of which is covered in ice, while a few tiny rocky islets and skerries surround the main island. Its coast is characterized by tall and steep cliffs, that make it almost inaccessible. The tallest peak on Bouvet Island is called Olavtoppen, and it stands at 780 m above sea level.

How did Bouvet Island become a dependency?

The expedition carried out aerial photography of the island and was the first Antarctic expedition to use aircraft. : 64 The Dependency Act, passed by the Parliament of Norway on 27 February 1930, established Bouvet Island as a Norwegian dependency, along with Peter I Island and Queen Maud Land.

Is Bouvet Island safe?

Since there is no infrastructure on the island, and no way to quickly rescue anyone that might be in danger, safety is a major concern on Bouvet Island. The island is often covered in fog, which hinders visibility, and weather conditions can change quickly.