Wake Island
Independence none (territory of the US)
Wake Island as the 2019 edition of the CIA World Factbook published it: 35 fields, one of 36 editions from 1990 to 2025.
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Introduction
1 fieldBackground
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 temporarily 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
Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to the Northern Mariana Islands
17 fieldsLand useshare of 6.5 sq km
Location
Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to the Northern Mariana Islands
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
Environment - current issues
- potable water obtained through a catchment rainwater system and a desalinization plant for brackish ground water;
- hazardous wastes moved to an accumulation site for storage and eventual transport off site via barge
Geography - note
strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean; emergency landing location for transpacific flights
People and Society
1 fieldGovernment
6 fieldsCountry name
- conventional long form:
- none
- conventional short form:
- Wake Island
- etymology:
- although first discovered by British Captain William WAKE in 1792, the island is named after British Captain Samuel WAKE, who rediscovered the island in 1796
Dependency status
- unincorporated unorganized territory of the US;
- administered from Washington, DC, by the Department of the Interior;
- activities in the atoll are currently conducted by the 11th US Air Force and managed from Pacific Air Force Support Center
Economy
Economic activity is limited to providing services to military personnel and contractors located on the island.
1 fieldEconomy - 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.
Energy
1 fieldCommunications
2 fieldsTelephone system
- general assessment:
- satellite communications;
- 2 Defense Switched Network circuits off the Overseas Telephone System (OTS);
- located in the Hawaii area code - 808 (2018)
Broadcast media
American Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) provides satellite radio/TV broadcasts (2018)
Military and Security
1 fieldMilitary - 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)
Transportation
4 fieldsAirports by runway lengthpaved only
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
Transnational Issues
1 fieldCite this entry
Central Intelligence Agency. “Wake Island.” The World Factbook 2019. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/wake-island/2019.