Wake Island

Wake Island

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 was developed as 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, which 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

Map references

Oceania

Area

total: 6.5 sq km
country comparison to the world: 243 land:6.5 sq km
water:0 sq km

Area – comparative

about 11 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries

0 km

Coastline

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

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% (2005)

Irrigated land

0 sq km

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)

Education expenditures

NA

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

NA

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.

Electricity – production

NA kWh

Transportation

Airports

1 (2010)
country comparison to the world:234

Airports – with paved runways

total: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m:1 (2010)

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)

Transnational Issues

Disputes – international

claimed by Marshall Islands

Testimonial

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