Howland Island
Howland Island as the 2003 edition of the CIA World Factbook published it: 30 fields, one of 24 editions from 1990 to 2020.
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Introduction
1 fieldBackground
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
Oceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and Australia
17 fieldsLand useshare of 1.6 sq km
Terrain
low-lying, nearly level, sandy, coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef; depressed central area
Geography - note
- 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
People
1 fieldPopulation
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 (July 2003 est.)
Government
4 fieldsDependency 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
Economy
No economic activity
1 fieldTransportation
4 fieldsPorts and harbors
- none;
- offshore anchorage only;
- note - there is one small boat landing area along the middle of the west coast
Airports
- airstrip constructed in 1937 for scheduled refueling stop on the round-the-world flight of Amelia EARHART and Fred NOONAN - they left Lae, New Guinea, for Howland Island, but were never seen again;
- the airstrip is no longer serviceable (2002)
Transportation - note
- 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;
- named in memory of famed aviatrix Amelia EARHART
Military
1 fieldTransnational Issues
1 fieldCite this entry
Central Intelligence Agency. “Howland Island.” The World Factbook 2003. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/howland-island/2003.