Europa Island is a small uninhabited island located in the Mozambique Channel of the Indian Ocean, about halfway between Madagascar and Mozambique. The island has an area of about 28 square kilometers (11 square miles) and is surrounded by coral reefs.
The island was first discovered by Europeans in the 16th century, and was named after the ship that discovered it, the Europa. The island was claimed by France in 1897, and it has been administered as a French territory ever since. The island is currently part of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands.
Europa Island is an important nesting site for seabirds, including terns, frigatebirds, and boobies. Green turtles also use the island as a nesting site, and the surrounding waters are home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and dolphins.
There are no permanent human inhabitants on Europa Island, but there is a small French military garrison on the island. Access to the island is restricted, and visitors are only allowed with special permission from the French government.