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 and the island remains a vital strategic link in the Pacific region.

Geographic coordinates: 19 17 N 166 39 E

Area
Rank: 244
Comparative: about 11 times the size of The Mall in Washington DC

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 19.3 km

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

Natural resources: none

Irrigated land: 0 km²

Natural hazards: occasional typhoons

Geography
Note: strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean; emergency landing location for transpacific flights

Population: no indigenous inhabitants

Environment
Current issues: NA

Legal system: US common law

Flag description: the flag of the US is used

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.

Broadcast media: American Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) provides satellite radio/TV broadcasts (2009)

Airports: 1 (2012)
Rank: 231

Ports and terminals: none; two offshore anchorages for large ships

Disputes international: claimed by Marshall Islands