2017 Edition

Background

The US annexed Wake Island in 1899 for a cable station. An important air and naval base was constructed in 1940-41. In December 1941, the island was captured by the Japanese and held until the end of World War II. In subsequent years, Wake became a stopover and refueling site for military and commercial aircraft transiting the Pacific. Since 1974, the island's airstrip has been used by the US military, as well as for emergency landings. Operations on the island were temporarily suspended and all personnel evacuated in 2006 with the approach of super typhoon IOKE (category 5), but resultant damage was comparatively minor. A US Air Force repair team restored full capability to the airfield and facilities, and the island remains a vital strategic link in the Pacific region.

Area

6.5 sq km 6.5 sq km 0 sq km

land

6.5 sq km

total

6.5 sq km

water

0 sq km

Area - comparative

about 11 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC

Climate

tropical

Coastline

19.3 km

Elevation

NA lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 8 m

elevation extremes

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point

unnamed location 8 m

mean elevation

NA

Environment - current issues

potable water obtained through a catchment rainwater system and a desalinization plant for brackish ground water; hazardous wastes moved to an accumulation site for storage and eventual transport off site via barge

Geographic coordinates

19 17 N, 166 39 E

Geography - note

strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean; emergency landing location for transpacific flights

Irrigated land

0 sq km (2012)

Land boundaries

0 km

Land use

0% arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; permanent pasture 0% 0% 100% (2011 est.)

agricultural land

0%

forest

0%

other

100% (2011 est.)

Location

Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to the Northern Mariana Islands

Map references

Oceania

Maritime claims

12 nm 200 nm

exclusive economic zone

200 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

subject to occasional typhoons

Natural resources

none

Terrain

atoll of three low coral islands, Peale, Wake, and Wilkes, built up on an underwater volcano; central lagoon is former crater, islands are part of the rim

Population

no indigenous inhabitants approximately 150 military personnel and civilian contractors maintain and operate the airfield and communications facilities (2009)

note

approximately 150 military personnel and civilian contractors maintain and operate the airfield and communications facilities (2009)

Citizenship

see United States

Country name

none Wake Island although first discovered by British Captain William WAKE in 1792, the island is named after British Captain Samuel WAKE who rediscovered the island in 1796

conventional long form

none

conventional short form

Wake Island

etymology

although first discovered by British Captain William WAKE in 1792, the island is named after British Captain Samuel WAKE who rediscovered the island in 1796

Dependency status

unorganized, unincorporated territory of the US; administered from Washington, DC, by the Department of the Interior; activities in the atoll are currently conducted by the US Air Force

Flag description

the flag of the US is used

Legal system

US common law

Economy - overview

Economic activity is limited to providing services to military personnel and contractors located on the island. All food and manufactured goods must be imported.

Broadcast media

American Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) provides satellite radio/TV broadcasts (2009)

Telephone system

satellite communications; 2 Defense Switched Network circuits off the Overseas Telephone System (OTS); located in the Hawaii area code - 808

general assessment

satellite communications; 2 Defense Switched Network circuits off the Overseas Telephone System (OTS); located in the Hawaii area code - 808

Airports

1 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2013)

2,438 to 3,047 m

1 (2013)

total

1

Ports and terminals

none; two offshore anchorages for large ships

Transportation - note

there are no commercial or civilian flights to and from Wake Island, except in direct support of island missions; emergency landing is available

Military - note

defense is the responsibility of the US; the US Air Force is responsible for overall administration and operation of the island facilities; the launch support facility is administered by the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA)

Disputes - international

claimed by Marshall Islands