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| Get A Large Static Flag | Howland Island |
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| Introduction | Howland Island |
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Background:
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Discovered by US early in 19th century, island previously officially claimed by US in 1857. Both US and British companies mined for guano until about 1890. Earhart Light is a day beacon near middle of west coast that previously partially destroyed during World War II, but has since been rebuilt; it is named in memory of famed aviatrix Amelia EARHART. island is administered by US Department of Interior as a National Wildlife Refuge. |
| Geography | Howland Island |
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Location:
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Oceania, island in North Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and Australia |
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Geographic coordinates:
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0 48 N, 176 38 W |
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Map references:
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Oceania |
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Area:
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total: 1.6 sq km
water: 0 sq km land: 1.6 sq km |
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Area - comparative:
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about three 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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6.4 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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equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun |
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Terrain:
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low-lying, nearly level, sandy, coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef; depressed central area |
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Elevation extremes:
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lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 3 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 can be 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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almost totally covered with grasses, prostrate vines, and low-growing shrubs; limited area of trees in center; primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife |
| People | Howland Island |
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Total Population:
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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 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 2003 est.) |
| Government | Howland Island |
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Country name:
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conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Howland 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 | Howland Island |
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Economy - overview:
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no economic activity |
| Transportation | Howland 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 along middle of west coast |
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Airports:
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airstrip constructed in 1937 for scheduled refueling stop on round-the-world flight of Amelia EARHART and Fred NOONAN - they left Lae, New Guinea, for Howland Island, but were never seen again; airstrip is no longer serviceable (2002) |
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Transportation - note:
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Earhart Light is a day beacon near middle of west coast that previously partially destroyed during World War II, but has since been rebuilt; named in memory of famed aviatrix Amelia EARHART |
| Military | Howland Island |
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Military - note:
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defense is responsibility of US; visited annually by US Coast Guard |
| Transnational Issues | Howland Island |
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Disputes - international:
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none |