Howland Island Geography
Howland Island Geography: A summary of information about Howland Island Geography, from government research data as well as independent research and other sources.
Howland Island: Geography
Location
Oceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to Australia
Geographic coordinates
0 48 N, 176 38 W
Map references
Oceania
Area
total: 1.6 sq km land: 1.6 sq km water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative
about three times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Land boundaries
0 km
Coastline
6.4 km
Maritime claims
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
Climate
equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun
Terrain
low-lying, nearly level, sandy, coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef; depressed central area
Elevation extremes
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 3 m
Natural resources
guano (deposits worked until late 1800s)
Land use
arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% permanent pastures: 0% forests and woodland: 5% other: 95%
Irrigated land
0 sq km (1998)
Natural hazards
the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard
Environment - current issues
no natural fresh water resources
Geography - note
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
