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Location:
Caribbean, island group in Caribbean Sea, nearly one-half of the way from Cuba to Honduras
Geographic coordinates:
19 30 N, 80 30 W
Map references:
Central America and the Caribbean
Area:
total:
259 km²
land:
259 km²
water:
0 km²
Area - comparative:
1.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:
0 km
Coastline:
160 km
Maritime claims:
exclusive fishing zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
Climate:
tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April)
Terrain:
low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs
Elevation extremes:
lowest point:
Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point:
The Bluff 43 m
Natural resources:
fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism
Land use:
arable land:
0%
permanent crops:
0%
permanent pastures:
8%
forests and woodland:
23%
other:
69% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land:
NA km²
Natural hazards:
hurricanes (July to November)
Environment - current issues:
no natural fresh water resources; drinking water supplies must be met by rainwater catchment and desalination
Geography - note:
important location between Cuba and Central America
- See also : Cayman Islands
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