Tromelin Island facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tromelin Island
French: L'Île Tromelin
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 Flag
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Motto: "Liberté, égalité, fraternité"
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Anthem: La Marseillaise
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Location of the Scattered islands in the Indian Ocean.
KM=Comoros MG=Madagascar MU=Mauritius MZ=Mozambique RE=Réunion YT=Mayotte |
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| Official languages | French |
| French overseas territory | |
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• Discovery by Jean Marie Briand de la Feuillée
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1722 |
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• French claim to sovereignty
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29 november 1776 |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| ISO 3166 code | TF |
| Internet TLD | .tf |
Tromelin Island is a small, flat island in the Indian Ocean. It is located east of Madagascar and north of Réunion. This tiny piece of land is an overseas territory of France. However, the country of Mauritius also believes the island belongs to them. This means there is a disagreement over who owns Tromelin Island.
Contents
Discovering Tromelin Island
Tromelin Island was first seen by a French ship captain in 1722. His name was Jean Marie Briand de la Feuillée. He was sailing in the Indian Ocean when he found the island.
France Claims the Island
Many years later, in 1776, France officially claimed Tromelin Island. This means they said the island was theirs. They put a French flag on the island to show this.
The Shipwreck of the Utile
Before France claimed the island, a sad event happened there. In 1761, a French ship called the Utile crashed on the island. The ship was carrying enslaved people from Madagascar. The crew left the island, but they left behind about 60 enslaved people. They promised to come back for them.
Rescue After Many Years
The enslaved people were stuck on the island for 15 years. They built a shelter and found ways to survive. Finally, in 1776, a French ship returned to rescue them. Only seven women and one child were still alive. This story is an important part of the island's history.
Life on Tromelin Island
Tromelin Island is very small, only about 1 square kilometer (0.4 square miles). It is mostly flat and sandy. There are no people living there permanently.
What is the Island Used For?
Today, Tromelin Island is important for weather forecasting. It has a weather station that helps predict cyclones and other storms in the Indian Ocean. Scientists also visit the island to study its unique wildlife.
Animals and Plants
Even though it's small, Tromelin Island is home to many seabirds. These birds use the island as a place to nest and raise their young. There are also sea turtles that come to the island's beaches to lay their eggs. The plants on the island are mostly low-growing shrubs and grasses that can survive in the harsh island environment.
The Dispute with Mauritius
Mauritius is a country located near Tromelin Island. They believe that Tromelin Island should be part of their territory. They say that when they became independent from Britain in 1968, Tromelin should have been given to them. France, however, says the island has been French since 1776. Both countries are still discussing who should own the island.
Images for kids
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Anchor of the wrecked frigate Utile
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Aerial view of Tromelin Island
