Background: Named after a famous 15th century Spanish navigator and explorer, the island has been a French possession since 1897. It has been exploited for its guano and phosphate. Presently a small military garrison oversees a meteorological station.

NOTE: The information regarding Juan de Nova Island on this page is re-published from the 2001 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Juan de Nova Island Introduction 2001 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Juan de Nova Island Introduction 2001 should be addressed to the CIA.