Howland Island etymology Population: uninhabited
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| History | |
| 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. |
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| Geography | |
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| Location: | Oceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and Australia |
| Geographic coordinates: | 0 48 N, 176 38 W |
| Area: | total: 1.6 sq km land: 1.6 sq km water: 0 sq km Size comparison: about three times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC |
| Land Boundaries: | 0 km |
| Coastline: | 6.4 km |
| Maritime claims: | territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm |
| Climate: | equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun |
| Terrain: | low-lying, nearly level, sandy, coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef; depressed central area |
| Natural resources: | guano (deposits worked until late 1800s), terrestrial and aquatic wildlife |
| Natural hazards: | the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard |
| Current Environment Issues: | no natural fresh water resources |
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| 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 |
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| Government | |
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| 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 |
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| Legal system: | the laws of the US apply where applicable |
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| Ports and terminals: | none; offshore anchorage only; note - there is one small boat landing area along the middle of the west coast |
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| Defense is the responsibility of the US; visited annually by the US Coast Guard (2019) | |
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| Disputes - International: | none |
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Source: CIA - The World Factbook