2019 Edition
CIA World Factbook 2019 Archive (Wayback Machine)
Introduction
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, a day beacon near the middle of the west coast, was partially destroyed during World War II, but subsequently rebuilt; it is named in memory of the famed aviatrix Amelia EARHART. The island is administered by the US Department of the Interior as a National Wildlife Refuge.
Geography
Area
- Land
- 1.6 sq km
- Total
- 1.6 sq km
- Water
- 0 sq km
Area Comparative
about three times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Climate
equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun
Coastline
6.4 km
Environment Current Issues
no natural fresh water resources
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
Land Boundaries
0 km
Location
Oceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and Australia
Map References
Oceania
Maritime Claims
- Exclusive Economic Zone
- 200 nm
- Territorial Sea
- 12 nm
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
Terrain
low-lying, nearly level, sandy, coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef; depressed central area
People and Society
Population
uninhabited
Government
Country Name
- Conventional Long Form
- none
- Conventional Short Form
- Howland Island
- Etymology
- named after the lookout on a whaling vessel who spotted the island in 1842
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
Flag Description
the flag of the US is used
Legal System
the laws of the US apply where applicable
Transportation
Ports And Terminals
none; offshore anchorage only; note - there is one small boat landing area along the middle of the west coast
Transportation Note
Earhart Light, a day beacon near the middle of the west coast, was partially destroyed during World War II but rebuilt during the 1960s; today it is crumbling and in poor repair; named in memory of famed aviatrix Amelia EARHART
Military and Security
Military Note
defense is the responsibility of the US; visited annually by the US Coast Guard (2019)
Transnational Issues
Disputes International
none