GEOGRAPHY
Location:
Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia
Geographic coordinates: 21 30 S, 165 30 E
Map references: Oceania
Area:
total area: 19,060 sq km
land area: 18,575 sq km
comparative area: slightly smaller than New Jersey
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 2,254 km
Maritime claims:
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: Matthew and Hunter Islands claimed
by France and Vanuatu
Climate: tropical; modified by southeast trade winds; hot,
humid
Terrain: coastal plains with interior mountains
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mont Panie 1,628 m
Natural resources: nickel, chrome, iron, cobalt, manganese,
silver, gold, lead, copper
Land use:
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
meadows and pastures: 14%
forest and woodland: 51%
other: 35%
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Environment:
current issues: NA
natural hazards: typhoons most frequent from November to March
international agreements: NA
