Prince Edward Islands
Quick Summary
The Prince Edward Islands are two uninhabited sub-Antarctic islands in the southern Indian Ocean, approximately 1,190 miles southeast of Cape Town, South Africa. South Africa claimed sovereignty over the islands in 1947 and established a meteorological station on Marion Island in 1948.12
Marion Island, the larger of the two, is volcanic in origin and covers 115 square miles. It features a rugged coastline with steep cliffs and a cool, stormy climate with significant rainfall. Prince Edward Island, located 12 miles northeast of Marion Island, is smaller at 18 square miles and also volcanic, with steep escarpments and a similar cool, wet climate. Both islands experience prevailing westerly winds and have limited plant life, including the Kerguelen cabbage, and abundant birdlife.12
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