Abu Musa

Abu Musa
Disputed island
Abu Musa in the Persian Gulf
Abu Musa
Abu Musa
Abu Musa
Interactive map of Abu Musa
Other names
Geography
LocationPersian Gulf
Coordinates25°52′N 55°02′E / 25.867°N 55.033°E / 25.867; 55.033
Total islands1
Area12.8 km2 (4.9 sq mi)
Highest elevation110 m (360 ft)
Highest pointMount Halva
Administration
ProvinceHormozgan
CountyAbumusa
Largest settlementAbu Musa (pop. 1,953)
Claimed by
EmirateSharjah
Demographics
Population2,131 (2012)
Pop. density166/km2 (430/sq mi)
Abu Musa Lighthouse
LocationAbu Musa, Iran
Coordinates25°53′07″N 55°02′02″E / 25.88514°N 55.03394°E / 25.88514; 55.03394
Tower
ConstructionMasonry tower
ShapeShort square tower atop building
Light
Focal height130 m (430 ft) 
Range9 nmi (17 km; 10 mi) 
CharacteristicFl W 8s 

Abu Musa is an 12.8-square-kilometre (4.9 sq mi) island in the eastern Persian Gulf, near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. The island is currently administered by Iran, but its sovereignty is disputed by the United Arab Emirates. Due to the depth of sea, oil tankers and big ships having to pass between Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunbs, it makes these islands some of the most strategic points in the Persian Gulf. The island is under the administration of Iran, as part of the Hormozgan province.