Baker Island

Baker Island as the 2005 edition of the CIA World Factbook published it: 29 fields, one of 21 editions from 1990 to 2020.

field in that editiontext changed from the edition beforenot in that editionthe open editionEach field below ends in its editions, 1990 to 2025. Point at a year above to follow it down.

Position0 13 N, 176 31 W

Area1.4 sq km

LocationOceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and Australia

2005

Every edition of Baker Island

Populationas each edition published it

1,942 people 2005 est. · 1,942 in 1992

Introduction

1 field

Background

The US took possession of the island in 1857, and its guano deposits were mined by US and British companies during the second half of the 19th century. In 1935, a short-lived attempt at colonization was begun on this island - as well as on nearby Howland Island - but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned. Presently the island is a National Wildlife Refuge run by the US Department of the Interior; a day beacon is situated near the middle of the west coast.

Geography

Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and Australia

17 fields

Land useshare of 1.4 sq km

permanent crops 0%other 100% (2001)arable land 0% in all · irrigated 0 sq km (1998 est.)

Area

1.4sq km

land: 1.4 sq kmwater: 0 sq kmabout 2.5 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Coastline

4.8km

land boundaries: 0 kmterritorial sea: 12 nmexclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Highest point

unnamed locationlowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Location

Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and Australia

Geographic coordinates

0 13 N, 176 31 W

Map references

Oceania

Climate

equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun

Terrain

low, nearly level coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef

Natural resources

guano (deposits worked until 1891), terrestrial and aquatic wildlife

Natural hazards

the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard

Environment - current issues

no natural fresh water resources

Geography - note

treeless, sparse, and scattered vegetation consisting of grasses, prostrate vines, and low growing shrubs;
primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife

People

1 field

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; a cemetery and remnants of structures from early settlement are located near the middle of the west coast; visited annually by US Fish and Wildlife Service (2005 est.)

Government

4 fields

Country name

conventional long form:: none
conventional short form:: Baker Island

Dependency status

unincorporated territory of the US; administered from Washington, DC, by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge system