Country Profile: Wake Island
Wake Island is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the North Pacific Ocean, positioned strategically as a trans-Pacific refueling stop. The island has no permanent inhabitants, with only military personnel and staff operating the airfield and weather station present. Economically, it functions predominantly as a military and logistical hub, while governance is under the jurisdiction of the US Air Force and the Department of the Interior.
Geography
Wake Island is an atoll consisting of three low coral islands—Peale, Wake, and Wilkes—formed from an underwater volcano, with a total area of 7 square kilometers. The island features a tropical climate and is subject to occasional typhoons, making its strategic location in the Pacific Ocean significant. The coastline measures 19.3 kilometers, and it has no natural resources.
- 7 sq km - Total area of Wake Island.
- 19.3 km - Length of the coastline.
- 8 m - Highest elevation on the island.
- 0 km - Land boundaries; it is surrounded entirely by water.
- 0% - Agricultural land use as of 2018.
People and Society
Wake Island has no permanent residents. The population consists solely of personnel who maintain and operate the airfield and weather station. This lack of a resident population is a significant characteristic of the island, reflecting its primarily military and logistical purpose.
- No permanent inhabitants - The island is maintained by operating personnel.
Economy
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Government
Wake Island is an unincorporated and unorganized territory of the United States, meaning it does not have a local government system. It is administered by the Department of the Interior, with military activities overseen by the 11th US Air Force.
- US common law - The legal system in place.
- Managed by the US Air Force - The island serves military purposes.
Military and Security
Defense and security for Wake Island are the responsibility of the United States, with the island serving as a military refueling station and supporting missile defense testing activities.
- Managed by the US Air Force - As of 2025, the island is under military administration.
- Trans-Pacific refueling stop - Critical for military aircraft operations.
Energy
Electricity access on Wake Island is fully established, with 100% electrification reported as of 2021. The island’s petroleum consumption is estimated at 8,000 barrels per day in 2023.
- 100% - Electrification of the population in 2021.
- 8,000 bbl/day - Refined petroleum consumption in 2023.
Environment
Wake Island faces environmental challenges, including limited potable water and issues related to hazardous waste disposal. It remains an area with no agricultural activity, characterized by a fully developed non-agricultural land use.
- 1.214 million metric tonnes - Total CO2 emissions, mostly from petroleum, estimated in 2023.
- 0% - Agricultural land use as of 2018.
Transportation
The island has one airport and a very small port that includes an oil terminal, facilitating limited transport and logistical functions.
- 1 airport - As of 2025, the island operates one airstrip.
- 1 port - The only port present on the island, as of 2024.
Communications
Wake Island is served by the US Armed Forces Radio and Television Service, which provides satellite broadcasts. This service is essential for maintaining communication and media access for military personnel stationed on the island.
- US Armed Forces Radio and Television Service - Available satellite radio/TV broadcasts since 2018.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 7 sq km | Total area of Wake Island. |
| Population | No permanent inhabitants | Personnel maintain the island. |
| Electricity Access | 100% | Electrification as of 2021. |
| Refined Petroleum Consumption | 8,000 bbl/day | Estimated for 2023. |
| CO2 Emissions | 1.214 million metric tonnes | Total emissions in 2023. |
| Height (Highest Point) | 8 m | Elevation above sea level. |
| Coastline Length | 19.3 km | Measurement of the island's shoreline. |
| Climate | Tropical | Characteristic climate of the island. |
| Legal System | US Common Law | The governing legal framework. |
| Military Administration | US Air Force | Responsible for defense activities. |
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