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| Location: |
Southern Africa, group of islands in the Mozambique Channel, about two-thirds of the way between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique
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| Geographic coordinates: |
12 10 S, 44 15 E
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| Area: |
total:
2,170 sq km
land:
2,170 sq km
water:
0 sq km
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| Area - comparative: |
slightly more than 12 times the size of Washington, DC
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| Maritime claims: |
exclusive economic zone:
200 NM
territorial sea:
12 NM
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| Climate: |
tropical marine; rainy season (November to May)
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| Terrain: |
volcanic islands, interiors vary from steep mountains to low hills
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| Elevation extremes: |
lowest point:
Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point:
Le Kartala 2,360 m
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| Land use: |
arable land:
35%
permanent crops:
10%
permanent pastures:
7%
forests and woodland:
18%
other:
30% (1993 est.)
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| Natural hazards: |
cyclones possible during rainy season (December to April); Le Kartala on Grand Comore is an active volcano
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| Environment - current issues: |
soil degradation and erosion results from crop cultivation on slopes without proper terracing; deforestation
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| Environment - international agreements: |
party to:
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified:
none of the selected agreements
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| Geography - note: |
important location at northern end of Mozambique Channel
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