Isla de Isabel II facts for kids
The island as seen from the Moroccan coast.
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Alboran Sea |
| Coordinates | 35°10′55″N 2°25′46″W / 35.18194°N 2.42944°W |
| Archipelago | Chafarinas Islands |
| Area | 0.153 km2 (0.059 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 35 m (115 ft) |
| Administration | |
Isabel II Island (also called Isla de Isabel II in Spanish) is a small island in the Mediterranean Sea. It's the middle island of the Chafarinas Islands group. This island belongs to Spain.
It's quite close to the North African coast, only about 4 kilometers away. You can find it in front of the Moroccan town of Ras Kebdana. The island is about 0.153 square kilometers in size (that's 15.3 hectares). Today, you'll find a military base and a church there.
Contents
Why the Island is Called Isabel II
The island is named after Isabella II. She was the Queen of Spain. Queen Isabella II ruled Spain from 1833 to 1868.
Island Geography
Isabel II Island has a rounded shape. Its total area is about 0.153 square kilometers. The island is flatter than the nearby Isla del Congreso. Its highest point is 35 meters above sea level.
Island History
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Long ago, around the 1st century BC, people used this island. Archeologists found old remains there. These remains suggest it was a place for ships to find shelter. This was a busy time for the North African coast.
In 1848, Spain took control of Isabel II Island. They also took the other two islands in the group: Isla del Rey and Isla del Congreso. Spain claimed the islands were "empty land" (terra nullius). They did this to stop France from taking them from Algeria. General Francisco Serrano arrived with two ships from Málaga to claim the islands for Spain.
After Spain took the island, they started building things. But a big storm hit in March 1849. This storm caused a lot of damage. People then wondered if it was worth staying on the islands.
Later, between 1910 and 1915, Isabel II Island was connected to Isla del Rey. They built a dike to link the two islands. In 1922, electric lights were put on the island.
Who Lives on the Island?
Isabel II Island is the only island in the Chafarinas group where people live. It is home to a military group. Also, staff from Spain's Ministry of Environment live there. The islands are a National Reserve. This means they are protected because of their many natural species.
See also
In Spanish: Isla de Isabel II para niños
