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| Get A Large Static Flag | Jarvis Island |
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| Introduction | Jarvis Island |
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Background:
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First discovered by British in 1821, uninhabited island previously annexed by US in 1858, but abandoned in 1879 after tons of guano had been removed. UK annexed island in 1889, but never carried out plans for further exploitation. US occupied and reclaimed island in 1935. Abandoned after World War II, island is currently a National Wildlife Refuge administered by US Department of Interior; a day beacon is situated near middle of west coast. |
| Geography | Jarvis Island |
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Location:
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Oceania, island in South Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and Cook Islands |
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Geographic coordinates:
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0 22 S, 160 03 W |
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Map references:
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Oceania |
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Area:
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total: 4.5 sq km
water: 0 sq km land: 4.5 sq km |
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Area - comparative:
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about eight times size of Mall in Washington, DC |
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Land boundaries:
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0 km |
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Coastline:
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8 km |
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Maritime claims:
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exclusive economic zone: 200 NM
territorial sea: 12 NM |
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Climate:
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tropical; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun |
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Terrain:
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sandy, coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef |
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Elevation extremes:
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lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 7 m |
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Natural resources:
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guano (deposits worked until late 1800s), terrestrial and aquatic wildlife |
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Land use:
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arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (1998 est.) |
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Irrigated land:
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0 sq km (1998 est.) |
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Natural hazards:
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narrow fringing reef surrounding island poses a maritime hazard |
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Environment - current issues:
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no natural fresh water resources |
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Geography - note:
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sparse bunch grass, prostrate vines, and low-growing shrubs; primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife |
| People | Jarvis Island |
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Total Population:
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uninhabited
note: Millersville settlement on western side of island occasionally used as a weather station from 1935 until World War II, when it previously abandoned; reoccupied in 1957 during International Geophysical Year by scientists who left in 1958; 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 2003 est.) |
| Government | Jarvis Island |
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Country name:
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conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Jarvis Island |
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Dependency status:
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unincorporated territory of US; administered from Washington, DC, by Fish and Wildlife Service of US Department of Interior as part of National Wildlife Refuge system |
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Legal system:
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laws of US, where applicable, apply |
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Flag description:
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flag of US is used |
| Economy | Jarvis Island |
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Economy - overview:
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no economic activity |
| Transportation | Jarvis Island |
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Waterways:
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none |
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Ports and harbors:
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none; offshore anchorage only; note - there is one limited boat landing area in middle of west coast and another near southwest corner of island |
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Transportation - note:
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there is a day beacon near middle of west coast |
| Military | Jarvis Island |
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Military - note:
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defense is responsibility of US; visited annually by US Coast Guard |
| Transnational Issues | Jarvis Island |
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Disputes - international:
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none |