World > Oceania > Howland Island

Introduction:

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.

Official name: Howland Island Capital: Government type: 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; visited annually by US Fish and Wildlife Service (July 2003 est.) Languages: Official Currency:   Currency code: Area: total: 1.6 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 1.6 sq km Climate: equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun

Map of Howland Island