Geographic coordinates: 21 30 S, 165 30 E
Map references: Oceania
Area:
total:
19,060 sq km
land:
18,575 sq km (7,172 sq. mi)
water:
485 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly smaller than New Jersey
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 2,254 km
Maritime claims:
exclusive economic zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
Climate: tropical; modified by southeast trade winds; hot, humid
Terrain: coastal plains with interior mountains
Elevation extremes:
lowest point:
Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point:
Mont Panie 1,628 m (5,341 ft)
Natural resources: nickel, chrome, iron, cobalt, manganese, silver, gold, lead, copper
Land use:
arable land:
0%
permanent crops:
0%
permanent pastures:
12%
forests and woodland:
39%
other:
49% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land: 160 sq km (1991)
Natural hazards: cyclones, most frequent from November to March
Environment - current issues: erosion caused by mining exploitation and forest fires