2001 Edition
CIA World Factbook 2001 (Project Gutenberg)
Introduction
Airports
airstrip constructed in 1937 for scheduled refueling stop on the round-the-world flight of Amelia EARHART and Fred NOONAN - they left Lae, New Guinea, for Howland Island, but were never seen again; the airstrip is no longer serviceable (2000 est.)
Area
total: 1.6 sq km land: 1.6 sq km water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative
about three times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Background
Discovered by the US early in the 19th century, the island was officially claimed by the US in 1857. Both US and British companies mined for guano until about 1890. Earhart Light is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast that was partially destroyed during World War II, but has since been rebuilt; it is named in memory of famed aviatrix Amelia EARHART. The island is administered by the US Department of the Interior as a National Wildlife Refuge. Howland Island Geography
Climate
equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun
Coastline
6.4 km
Country name
conventional long form: none conventional short form: Howland Island
Dependency status
unincorporated territory of the US; administered from Washington, DC, by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge system
Disputes - international
none
Economy - overview
no economic activity Howland Island Transportation
Elevation extremes
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 3 m
Environment - current issues
no natural fresh water resources
Flag description
the flag of the US is used Howland Island Economy
Geographic coordinates
0 48 N, 176 38 W
Geography - note
almost totally covered with grasses, prostrate vines, and low-growing shrubs; small area of trees in the center; primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife Howland Island People
Irrigated land
0 sq km (1998)
Land boundaries
0 km
Land use
arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% permanent pastures: 0% forests and woodland: 5% other: 95%
Legal system
the laws of the US, where applicable, apply
Location
Oceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to Australia
Map references
Oceania
Maritime claims
exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM
Military - note
defense is the responsibility of the US; visited annually by the US Coast Guard Howland Island Transnational Issues
Natural hazards
the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard
Natural resources
guano (deposits worked until late 1800s), terrestrial and aquatic wildlife
Population
uninhabited note: American civilians evacuated in 1942 after Japanese air and naval attacks during World War II; occupied by US military during World War II, but abandoned after the war; public entry is by special-use permit from US Fish and Wildlife Service only and generally restricted to scientists and educators; visited annually by US Fish and Wildlife Service (July 2001 est.) Howland Island Government
Ports and harbors
none; offshore anchorage only; note - there is one small boat landing area along the middle of the west coast
Terrain
low-lying, nearly level, sandy, coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef; depressed central area
Transportation - note
Earhart Light is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast that was partially destroyed during World War II, but has since been rebuilt; named in memory of famed aviatrix Amelia EARHART Howland Island Military
Waterways
none