Country Profile: Wake Island

Wake Island is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the North Pacific Ocean, roughly two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to the Northern Mariana Islands. The island consists of three low coral islands built upon an underwater volcano and has no permanent inhabitants, except for personnel maintaining its airfield and weather station. Its strategic military significance has shaped its governance and infrastructure, primarily overseen by the U.S. Air Force. The economy is limited due to its lack of natural resources and permanent population, focusing primarily on military activities and support logistics.

Geography

Wake Island is a tropical atoll composed of three islands: Peale, Wake, and Wilkes. The total area is approximately 7 square kilometers, with the highest elevation reaching 8 meters above sea level. The island features a central lagoon, which is the remnant of a volcanic crater. Though there are no land boundaries, Wake Island boasts a coastline of 19.3 kilometers.

19.3 km: Coastline length.
200 nm: Exclusive economic zone.
0%: Agricultural land usage (2018).
100%: Other land usage (2018).
Subject to occasional typhoons.

People and Society

Wake Island currently has no permanent inhabitants. The population primarily consists of personnel tasked with maintaining and operating the island's airfield and weather station.

Economy

The economic activities on Wake Island are largely dictated by its military function and the lack of resources necessary for traditional economic development. There are no notable economic statistics available due to the absence of a local economy.

Government

As an unincorporated and unorganized territory of the United States, Wake Island is administered by the Department of the Interior. It operates under U.S. common law, with the U.S. Air Force conducting primary activities on the island. The island does not have an independent government.

Managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Governed under U.S. common law.

Military and Security

Wake Island plays a crucial role in U.S. military operations, serving as a trans-Pacific refueling stop for military aircraft. The island supports U.S. Missile Defense Agency testing activities and is managed by the U.S. Air Force.

Energy

Wake Island has achieved 100% electrification in total since 2021. The refined petroleum consumption is estimated at 8,000 barrels per day for 2023.

100%: Electrification rate (2021).
8,000 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023).

Transportation

There is one airport and one very small port on Wake Island, which facilitate its limited logistical capabilities. The port also features an oil terminal.

1: Airport (2025).
1: Total ports (2024), with an oil terminal.

Communications

Wake Island's communications are primarily managed by the U.S. Armed Forces Radio and Television Service, providing satellite radio and TV broadcasts.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	No permanent inhabitants	Personnel only
Area	7 sq km	Total area
Elevation (highest point)	8 m	Highest elevation
Coastline	19.3 km	Length of coastline
Electrification	100%	Total electrification (2021)
Refined petroleum consumption	8,000 bbl/day	Consumption (2023)
Land use (agricultural land)	0%	(2018 est.)
Land use (other)	100%	(2018 est.)