Isla de Isabel II
Spanish island in the western Mediterranean
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Isabel II Island (Spanish: Isla de Isabel II) is the central island of the Chafarinas Islands, in the Mediterranean Sea. The island is a part of Spain's plazas de soberanía and is under Spanish control, however it is also claimed by Morocco as part of its territory alongside other Spanish territories in North Africa.[1] It is located only 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) away from the North-African shore, in front of the Moroccan town of Ras Kebdana. It has an area of 0.153 km2 (15.3 ha), and there is a military base and a church.
| Disputed island | |
|---|---|
 The island as seen from the Moroccan coast. | |
 Interactive map of Isabel II Island | |
| 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 | |
| Claimed by | |
Name
The name of the island comes from Isabella II,[2] Queen of Spain from 1833 to 1868.
Geography
History
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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.[5]
Along with the other two islands of the archipelago (Isla del Rey and Isla del Congreso), it was occupied in 1848 by Spain,[6] that alleged terra nullius,[7] anticipating French intentions to do the same from Algeria.[8] General Francisco Serrano took possession of the islands bringing two ships from Málaga.[9]
The work of conditioning the island of Isabel II suffered a major setback after the passing of a strong storm in March 1849.[10] Then the question arose of whether the stay in the archipelago was worth it or not.[11]
Between 1910 and 1915 the island was connected through a dike with the Isla del Rey.[12]
Electric lighting was installed on the island in 1922.[13]
Population
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.