Background: This atoll is a volcanic rock surrounded by reefs and is awash at high tide. A French possession since 1897, it was placed under the administration of a commissioner residing in Reunion in 1968.

NOTE: The information regarding Bassas da India on this page is re-published from the 2001 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Bassas da India Introduction 2001 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Bassas da India Introduction 2001 should be addressed to the CIA.