Howland Island: Background & Geography
| Introduction | Howland Island |
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Background:
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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 is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast that was partially destroyed during World War II, but has since been 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. |
| Geography | Howland Island |
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Location:
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Oceania, island in the 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 the size of The 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 - as described in UNCLOS 1982 (see Notes and Definitions):
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territorial sea: 12 NM
exclusive economic zone: 200 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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the narrow fringing reef surrounding the 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; small area of trees in the center; primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife |