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Location:
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Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago
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Geographic coordinates:
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14 40 N, 61 00 W
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Map references:
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central america and the caribbean
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Area:
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total: 1,100 sq km
water: 40 sq km
land: 1,060 sq km
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Area - comparative:
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slightly more than six times 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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350 km
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Maritime claims:
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territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
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Climate:
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tropical; moderated by trade winds; rainy season (June to October); vulnerable to devastating cyclones (hurricanes) every eight years on average; average temperature 17.3 degrees C; humid
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Terrain:
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mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano
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Elevation extremes:
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lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Montagne Pelee 1,397 m
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Natural resources:
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coastal scenery and beaches, cultivable land
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Land use:
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arable land: 10.38%
permanent crops: 9.43%
other: 80.19% (2001)
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Irrigated land:
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30 sq km (1998 est.)
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Natural hazards:
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hurricanes, flooding, and volcanic activity (an average of one major natural disaster every five years)
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Environment - current issues:
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NA
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Geography - note:
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the island is dominated by Mount Pelee, which on 8 May 1902 erupted and completely destroyed the city of Saint Pierre, killing 30,000 inhabitants
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