Blanquilla is an island, one of the Federal Dependencies of Venezuela,[1] located in the south-eastern Caribbean Sea about 293 km (182 miles) north-east of Caracas. It is a popular location for divers, as well as famous for its white sand beaches, for which it is named.
Native name: Dependencia Federal Isla La Blanquilla | |
|---|---|
 Blanquilla Island | |
 | |
| Geography | |
| Location | Caribbean Sea |
| Coordinates | 11°51′12″N 64°35′55″W / 11.85333°N 64.59861°W |
| Area | 64.53 km2 (24.92 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
| Federal Dependencies of Venezuela | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
| Pop. density | 0/km2 (0/sq mi) |
Geography
editThe island is formed by the Aves Ridge, a seafloor feature which protrudes above water to the north, forming several other islands. Its reefs are notable for their black coral, which is used for jewelry and other crafts. [2][3][4][5][6] The island has an area of around 64.53 km2[7]
Environment
editThe island's wildlife includes local cacti and green iguanas, as well as feral donkeys and goats. It, along with its surrounding waters, has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International because it supports significant populations of brown pelicans, brown and masked boobies, and yellow-shouldered amazons.[8]
History
editIn 2014, assertions made by the Hong Kong media that Venezuela was considering transferring ownership of Blanquilla island to China in exchange for the forgiveness of its $50 billion in debt were denied by the Chinese government.[citation needed]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Isla Blanquilla (Approved) at GEOnet Names Server, United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
- ^ "Isla Blanquilla, Venezuela: Image of the Day". NASA. November 26, 2007. Archived from the original on April 25, 2009.
- ^ James, Keith L. "The Caribbean Ocean Plateau – an overview, and a different understanding" (PDF). pp. 2, 4. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 3, 2008.
- ^ Vila, Marco Aurelio. 1967: Aspectos geográficos de las Dependencias Federales. Corporación Venezolana de Fomento. Caracas. 115p.
- ^ Cervigon, Fernando. 1995: Las Dependencias Federales. Academia Nacional de la Historia. Caracas. 193p.
- ^ Hernández Caballero, Serafín (Editor). 1998: Gran Enciclopedia de Venezuela. Editorial Globe, C.A. Caracas. 10 volúmenes. ISBN 980-6427-00-9 ISBN 980-6427-10-6
- ^ "Rutaturistica". www.guiaviajesvirtual.com. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
- ^ "Isla La Blanquilla". BirdLife Data Zone. BirdLife International. 2024. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
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