Wake Island

Wake Island is a coral atoll in the western Pacific Ocean, located about two-thirds of the way from Honolulu to Guam. It is an unorganized, unincorporated territory of the United States, administered by the Office of Insular Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior. There are about 150 people living on its 2.85 square miles. Access to the island is restricted, and all activities on the island are managed by the United States Air Force.

History

Wake Island was first discovered by Europeans on October 2, 1568 by Spanish explorer Álvaro de Mendaña de Neyra. In 1899, Wake Island was annexed by the United States. During World War II, Wake Island was attacked and occupied by Japan, leading to a significant battle known as the Battle of Wake Island.

Geography

Wake Island is located in the Micronesia subregion of the Pacific Ocean, and it is an atoll consisting of three coral islets. The island's coastline is 12 miles long. The island is part of the Wake Island Wildlife Refuge.

Climate

Wake Island has a tropical rainforest climate, with high humidity and temperatures remaining constant throughout the year.

Demographics

As of 2021, Wake Island is inhabited by about 150 people, most of whom are military personnel or civilian contractors.

Economy

The economy of Wake Island is dominated by the military. The U.S. government is the island's largest employer.

See also

• List of Guano Island claims
• Battle of Wake Island
• Wake Island Rail

External links

• AirNav – Wake Island Airfield – Airport details, facilities and navigational aids
• Jane's Oceania Home Page – Wake Island – History and images

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  Flag of the United States

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  VFA-27 Wake Island

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  Wake Island air

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  Wake Island Lagoon Paradise by Matthew Piatkowski

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  Wake Jun 15 050

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  Commodore Charles Wilkes, commander of the United States Exploring Expedition 1838 - 1842

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  Commander Taussig of the USS Bennington claims Wake Island for the United States of America

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  USS Newport News (AK-3) off Wake Island on 24 September 1922