Clipperton Island in 2025 remains an uninhabited coral atoll in the eastern Pacific, administered directly by France. population, no economy, no infrastructure, and is visited only occasionally by scientists, the French Navy, and rare expeditions. Its environment is fragile, tropical, and prone to storms. No major changes are expected in 2026.
Introduction
Clipperton Island—also known as Île de Clipperton or La Passion—is a remote atoll named after the English pirate John Clipperton. France annexed it in the 19th century, and an international arbitration in 1931 confirmed French sovereignty. It remains a French possession with no indigenous or resident population.
Geography
- Type: Coral atoll in the North Pacific
- Area: 6–8.9 sq km (sources vary due to lagoon inclusion)
- Location: ~1,120 km southwest of Mexico
- Climate: Tropical, humid, 20–32°C; wet season May–October
- Terrain: Low coral ring with a central stagnant lagoon; highest point 29 m at Rocher Clipperton
- Natural hazards: Tropical storms and hurricanes
- Natural resources: Fish; former guano deposits depleted
People and Society
- Population: Uninhabited
- Languages, ethnic groups, religion: Not applicable
- Human activity: Limited to temporary scientific or naval visits
Government
- Status: Possession of France
- Administration: Directly under the French Minister of Overseas France
- Legal system: French law applies
- Flag: Uses the flag of France
Population
- Permanent residents: 0
- Seasonal/temporary presence: Occasional researchers, naval patrols
Economy
- Economic activity: None
- Agriculture: 0% of land; no arable soil
- Industry & services: None
- GDP: Not applicable
Energy
- Infrastructure: None
- Power generation: None; temporary expeditions bring their own equipment
Communications
- Permanent systems: None
- Temporary use: Satellite communications by visiting teams
Transportation
- Ports: None
- Airfields: None
- Access: Only by ship; landing is difficult due to surf and lack of facilities
Military and Security
- Defense responsibility: France
- Military presence: Occasional French Navy patrols; no permanent installations
Travel Advice
- General: Not open to tourism; access requires French authorization
- Risks:
- Hazardous landing conditions
- No shelter, food, or fresh water
- Tropical storms and isolation
- Suitability: Only for authorized scientific or environmental missions
Expected Trends for 2026
Based on current patterns:
- Continued uninhabited status
- Ongoing scientific expeditions and environmental monitoring
- No expected development of infrastructure or tourism
- Continued French administrative oversight and naval patrols (Trend inference based on stable historical patterns and lack of planned development.)
