Howland Island:
Geography

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Background	Definition 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.

Location	Definition Oceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and Australia
Geographic coordinates	Definition 0 48 N, 176 38 W
Map references	Definition Oceania
Area	Definition total: 1.6 sq km land: 1.6 sq km water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative	Definition about three times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Land boundaries	Definition 0 km
Coastline	Definition 6.4 km
Maritime claims	Definition territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate	Definition equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun
Terrain	Definition low-lying, nearly level, sandy, coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef; depressed central area
Elevation extremes	Definition lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 3 m
Natural resources	Definition guano (deposits worked until late 1800s), terrestrial and aquatic wildlife
Land use	Definition arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (2001)
Irrigated land	Definition 0 sq km
Natural hazards	Definition the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard
Environment - current issues	Definition no natural fresh water resources
Geography - note	Definition 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

Howland Island: Geography

Howland Island:
Geography