World Factbook
South Georgia
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Last updated: 2026-03-28 (today)
Area
land
3,903 sq km
note
note: includes Shag Rocks, Black Rock, Clerke Rocks, South Georgia Island, Bird Island, and the South Sandwich Islands, which consist of 11 islands
water
0 sq km
total
3,903 sq km
Climate
variable, with mostly westerly winds throughout the year interspersed with periods of calm; nearly all precipitation falls as snow
Terrain
most of the islands are rugged and mountainous rising steeply from the sea; South Georgia is largely barren with steep, glacier-covered mountains; the South Sandwich Islands are of volcanic origin with some active volcanoes
Land use
other
100% (2018 est.)
Location
Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of the tip of South America
Coastline
NA
Elevation
lowest point
Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point
Mount Paget (South Georgia) 2,934 m
Irrigated land
0 sq km (2022)
Map references
Antarctic Region
Land boundaries
total
0 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea
12 nm
exclusive fishing zone
200 nm
Natural hazards
the South Sandwich Islands have prevailing weather conditions that generally make them difficult to approach by ship; they are also subject to active volcanism
Geography - note
the north coast of South Georgia has several large bays, which provide good anchorage
Natural resources
fish
Area - comparative
slightly larger than Rhode Island
Geographic coordinates
54 30 S, 37 00 W