Wake Island
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| Wake Island | |
|---|---|
| Name | Wake Island |
| Location | Pacific Ocean |
| Coordinates | 19°17′57″N 166°38′33″E |
| Area | 7.37 |
| Country | United States |
| Country admin divisions | United States Minor Outlying Islands |
Wake Island is an atoll in the Pacific Ocean, located approximately 2,300 miles southwest of Honolulu, Hawaii, and 1,500 miles northeast of Guam. The island is part of the United States Minor Outlying Islands and is under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of the Interior. Wake Island is known for its strategic location and has been an important stopover for transpacific flights and a key location for US military operations, including the Battle of Wake Island during World War II. The island has also been visited by notable figures such as James Cook, Matthew Perry, and Douglas MacArthur.
Geography
Wake Island is a coral atoll, consisting of three islands: Wake Island, Peale Island, and Wilkes Island. The island is surrounded by a coral reef and has a total land area of approximately 2.5 square miles. The highest point on the island is 21 feet above sea level, making it a low-lying island vulnerable to sea level rise and storm surge. The island's geography is similar to other Pacific islands such as Midway Atoll and Johnston Atoll, which are also part of the United States Minor Outlying Islands. Wake Island is located near the Mariana Trench, the deepest point in the Pacific Ocean, and is close to the International Date Line.
History
The history of Wake Island dates back to the 16th century when it was first discovered by Spanish explorers, including Ferdinand Magellan and Juan Sebastián Elcano. The island was later visited by British and American ships, including the USS Vincennes, which was commanded by William S. Benson. During World War II, Wake Island was occupied by Japanese forces and was the site of the Battle of Wake Island, which was fought between US Marine Corps and Japanese naval forces. The battle was led by James P.S. Devereux and Shigeyoshi Inouye, and was a significant event in the Pacific War. After the war, the island was returned to the United States and has since been used as a US Air Force base and a stopover for transpacific flights.
Climate
The climate of Wake Island is tropical, with high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The island is located near the equator and is subject to the Intertropical Convergence Zone, which brings warm, moist air from the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. The island experiences a wet season from May to October, with most of the rainfall coming from tropical cyclones such as Typhoon and Hurricane. The climate of Wake Island is similar to other Pacific islands such as Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, which are also located in the tropics. The island's climate is influenced by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, which affect the weather patterns in the Pacific Ocean.
Demographics
Wake Island has no permanent residents, only a small population of US Air Force personnel and contractors who are stationed on the island. The island has no indigenous population, and the only people who live on the island are temporary residents who are there for work or other purposes. The demographics of Wake Island are similar to other United States Minor Outlying Islands such as Midway Atoll and Johnston Atoll, which also have no permanent residents. The island's population is influenced by the US military presence, with personnel from the United States Air Force, United States Navy, and United States Army stationed on the island.
Economy
The economy of Wake Island is based on the US military presence, with the US Air Force being the main employer on the island. The island also generates revenue from transpacific flights that stop over on the island, including flights from United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Japan Airlines. The island's economy is also influenced by the United States Department of the Interior, which is responsible for the administration of the island. The economy of Wake Island is similar to other United States Minor Outlying Islands such as Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, which also have a significant US military presence.
Infrastructure
The infrastructure of Wake Island is limited, with only a few buildings and facilities on the island. The island has a single airport, Wake Island Airfield, which is used by the US Air Force and transpacific flights. The island also has a few roads, including the Wake Island Road, which connects the airport to the rest of the island. The island's infrastructure is influenced by the US military presence, with the US Air Force being responsible for the maintenance of the island's facilities. The infrastructure of Wake Island is similar to other United States Minor Outlying Islands such as Midway Atoll and Johnston Atoll, which also have limited infrastructure. The island is also connected to the Global Positioning System and the International Telecommunication Union, which provide communication and navigation services to the island.