Schinousa Island

Schinousa Island is a secluded and picturesque destination located in the Andaman Sea. This uninhabited islet is a popular spot for tourists looking to enjoy the peace and tranquility that it offers. The island consists of an unknown number of limestone caves and islets, making its exploration a unique experience. It is also home to several rare and endangered species of animals, including the Andaman tahr and the endemic Andamanese macaque.

History

Schinousa Island is a relatively new addition to the map of Andamanese Islands. It was first discovered by Europeans in 1892, and only became an official part of the Andamanese Archipelago in 1905. The island has remained largely undiscovered until recent times, owing to its seclusion and lack of amenities.

Geography

Schinousa Island measures just 2 km long and 1 km wide, making it one of the smallest islands in the archipelago. It lies about 20 kilometers off the coast of mainland Southeast Asia, at coordinates 10°05’N , 92°10’E. It is located between South Andaman Island and North Sentinel Island in the Indian Ocean, within the territory of mainland India.

Climate

The climate on Schinousa Island is markedly different from that of the rest of mainland India. The island experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with heavy rains and high humidity throughout the year. Temperatures can range from mild to hot, with average temperatures ranging between 25°C and 30°C throughout the year. The rainy season runs from March till June, and the dry season runs from September until November.

The dominant vegetation is rhododendron shrubbery, with mangrove forest on the mainland neighboring its southern coast and lowland forests on all other surrounding islands. Coconut plantations can also be found throughout the island near villages. During monsoon seasons are to be avoided due to heavy rains which set in for maximum 100 days a year.

While several studies have looked into the effects of climate changes (especially tropical cyclones) that occur twice annually over northeast Andaman Islands (And aman-Nicobar Islands), little is known about the long term effects of exposure to air pollution from neighboring mainland India.

Culture

The culture of Schinousa Island is markedly different from that of the rest of mainland India. The majority of the population are Hindu, with a small number who adhere to Christianity and Islam. There is also a sizeable population consisting of people from other Southeast Asian countries (mainly Bangladeshi), as well as many foreigners who have settled on the island for business or tourism purposes. The predominant language spoken on Schinousa Island is Bengali, although Hindi and English can also be heard in some villages.

Schinousa Island was originally uninhabited by humans and was only discovered by Europeans in the late 16th century. A small group of Christian Armenians were the first humans to settle on Schinousa Island, arriving sometime during the 18th century long after most of mainland India reached a state of aridity. The Armenian settlement is still occupied by descendants from this initial migration. For approximately three centuries before European colonization, only small groups of Hindu refuges arrived on Schinousa island every year following their itinerant occupations along coastal Andaman Islands in hopes that would eventually make it as far north as Calcutta (now known as Kolkata) and seek employment there upon assured settlement. In the early 20th century, mainland Indian colonization of Schinousa Island began in earnest as a result of British efforts to consolidate their administrative control over Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Politics

The island is administered as the Schinousa Island Administrative Committee (SIAC) under the Andaman and Nicobar Islands District Administration, which is headquartered on Port Blair. The SIAC consists of a Chairman, an elected representative from each of the five inhabited villages, and four nominated members who are customary landowners.

Economy

Schinousa Island has traditionally been a major source of salt production for trade within India and abroad. Today, the economy is based mostly on subsistence agriculture and fishing. Tourism also plays an important role in sustaining economic activity on the island; there are several guest houses and resorts on the island, operated by both national and private tourism enterprises.

Government services

The island is not directly administered by the central government of India, but rather by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands District Administration. However, a number of government services are available on the island: health care is provided through a small hospital; education is provided through two primary schools and one secondary school; most essential supplies, such as foodstuffs, fuelwood and medicines, are distributed free of charge by the district administration.; there also exists a post office. There are no paved roads on the island, and transportation is mainly by boat or helicopter.

Tourism

Schinousa Island is a popular tourist destination, and visitors come to enjoy the seclusion and natural beauty of the island. The primary attractions on the island are its pristine beaches, biodiverse forests, hilly landscapes and coral reefs; there are also several guest houses and resorts available for tourists to stay in.

Conclusion

Schinousa Island is a tiny, uninhabited island located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. It is part of the Cyprus-Syria territorial dispute and, as such, remains uninhabited. Despite its small size, the island has a rich history due to its strategic location. Schinousa Island was once a part of the Ottoman Empire and then, during World War I, it was captured by France and used as a military base. After World War II, it was returned to Turkey and has since remained uninhabited.

FAQs

What Is The Population Of Schinousa Island?

There is no current population information available for Schinousa Island. However, it is estimated that there are around 10-15 people living on the island currently.

How Did Schinousa Island Get Its Name?

The origin of the island’s name remains unknown, but it may have been named after one of its many limestone caves or after a certain admiral who fought in World War I and captured the island.

What Is The Climate Like On Schinousa Island?

Due to its strategic location, Schinousa Island experiences a diverse range of climates. The island can be hot and humid in the summer months, but it also has mild winters and cool summers.

Are There Any Major Attractions On Schinousa Island?

There are currently no major attractions located on Schinousa Island, but this may change in the future as more people start to explore and enjoy the island’s peace and tranquility.

How Do I Get To/From Schinusia Island ?

Getting to/from Schinousa Island is relatively easy. The island is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and can be reached using ferries or boats.