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Spanish island in the western Mediterranean From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Isabel II Island (Spanish: Isla de Isabel II) is the central island of the Chafarinas Islands, in the Mediterranean Sea. The island belongs to Spain. It is located only 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) away from the North-African shore, in front of the Moroccan town of Ras Kebdana. Its area is 0.153 km2 (15.3 ha), and there is a military base and a church.
Geography | |
---|---|
Location | Alboran Sea |
Coordinates | 35°10′55″N 2°25′46″W |
Archipelago | Chafarinas Islands |
Area | 0.153 km2 (0.059 sq mi) |
Highest elevation | 35 m (115 ft) |
Administration | |
The name of the island comes from Isabella II,[1] Queen of Spain from 1833 to 1868.
Displaying a rounded shape,[2] it has a total area of 0.153 square kilometres (0.059 sq mi).[3] Substantially flatter than the Isla del Congreso, it reaches a maximum height of 35 metres above sea level.[2]
Archeological remains found in the island suggest the existence of an outpost intended for sheltering ships by the 1st century BC, a time when the North-African coastline thrived during the reign of Juba II.[4]
Along the other two islands of the archipelago (Isla del Rey and Isla del Congreso), it was occupied in 1848 by Spain,[5] that alleged terra nullius,[6] anticipating French intentions to do the same from Algeria.[7] General Francisco Serrano took possession of the islands bringing two ships from Málaga.[8]
The works of conditioning of the island of Isabel II suffered a major setback after the passing of a strong storm in March 1849.[9] Then the question arose of whether the stay in the archipelago was worth it or not.[10]
Between 1910 and 1915 the island was connected through a dike with the Isla del Rey.[11]
Electric lighting was installed on the island in 1922.[12]
The island is the only inhabited island of the archipelago. It currently hosts a military garrison with personnel from the Ministry of Environment of Spain, as the islands are a National Reserve protected because of the wealth of their natural species.
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