Introduction
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 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.
Geography
Location
Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to the Northern Mariana Islands
Geographic coordinates
19 17 N, 166 39 E
Area (sq km)
total: 6.5 sq km
land: 6.5 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative (sq km)
about 11 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Land boundaries (km)
0 km
Coastline (km)
19.3 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate
tropical
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
Elevation extremes (m)
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 6 m
Natural resources
none
Land use (%)
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2011)
Irrigated land (sq km)
0 sq km (2011)
Natural hazards
occasional typhoons
Environment - current issues
NA
Geography - note
strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean; emergency landing location for transpacific flights
People and Society
Population
no indigenous inhabitants
note: approximately 150 military personnel and civilian contractors maintain and operate the airfield and communications facilities (2009) evolution and prospects (1950-2100)
Government
Country name
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Wake Island
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
Legal system
US common law
Flag description
the flag of the US is used
Economy
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.
Communications
Telephone system
general assessment: satellite communications; 2 Defense Switched Network circuits off the Overseas Telephone System (OTS); located in the Hawaii area code - 808
Broadcast media
American Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) provides satellite radio/TV broadcasts (2009)
Transportation
Airports
1 (2013)
Airports - with paved runways
total: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2013)
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
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)
Largest cities of Wake Island
These are the 50 largest cities of Wake Island ordered based on their number of inhabitants.
| # | City | Population |
|---|