Country Profile: Wake Island
Wake Island is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the North Pacific Ocean. The island is composed of three low coral islands built on an underwater volcano and is known for its strategic military importance. Although there are no permanent inhabitants, personnel operate the airfield and weather station. The economy is primarily dependent on military activities, with the island serving as a refueling stop for aviation and supporting missile defense operations.
Geography
Wake Island is situated approximately two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to the Northern Mariana Islands, encompassing an area of 7 square kilometers, which is comparable to 11 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The atoll consists of three islands: Peale, Wake, and Wilkes, with the highest point reaching 8 meters above sea level. The climate is tropical, and the region is susceptible to occasional typhoons.
- 19.3 km: Length of coastline
- 0 km: Land boundaries
- 12 nm: Territorial sea extent
- 200 nm: Exclusive economic zone
People and Society
Wake Island has no permanent inhabitants. The personnel stationed on the island primarily maintain and operate the airfield and weather station, contributing to its operational functions.
Government
Wake Island is categorized as an unincorporated and unorganized territory of the United States, administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The legal framework is based on U.S. common law, and the island does not have its own flag, utilizing the U.S. flag instead.
- Administered by: U.S. Department of the Interior
- Managed by: U.S. Air Force
- Legal system: U.S. common law
Military and Security
The defense of Wake Island is the responsibility of the United States. The island functions as a significant trans-Pacific refueling stop for military aircraft and plays a crucial role in supporting U.S. Missile Defense Agency testing activities.
Energy
Wake Island has achieved total electrification, with 100% access to electricity as of 2021. Its petroleum consumption is estimated at 8,000 barrels per day in 2023, contributing to its overall carbon dioxide emissions, which are projected to reach 1.214 million metric tonnes in the same year.
- 100%: Electrification rate (2021)
- 8,000 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023 est.)
- 1.214 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023 est.)
Transportation
The island has one airstrip and one port, which is utilized primarily for military logistics. The port has an oil terminal and facilitates various transportation needs associated with its strategic military operations.
- 1: Airport (2025)
- 1: Total ports (2024)
Communications
The communication system on Wake Island is supported by the U.S. Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS), which provides satellite radio and television broadcasts for personnel stationed there.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | No permanent inhabitants | Personnel operate airfield/weather station |
| Area | 7 sq km | About 11 times the size of the National Mall |
| Electricity access | 100% | Total electrification (2021) |
| Refined petroleum consumption | 8,000 bbl/day | Estimated for 2023 |
| CO2 emissions | 1.214 million metric tonnes | Estimated for 2023 |
| Coastline | 19.3 km | Length of coastline |
| Highest Point | 8 m | Elevation of the island |
| Total Ports | 1 | Includes one oil terminal |
| Territorial sea | 12 nm | Extent of territorial waters |
| Exclusive economic zone | 200 nm | Extent of economic waters |
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