Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to the Northern Mariana Islands. Atoll of three coral islands built up on an underwater volcano; central lagoon is former crater, islands are part of the rim. Strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean. Emergency landing location for transpacific flights. Unincorporated territory of the US; administered from Washington, DC by the Department of the Interior. Occasional activities on the island are managed by the US Army under a US Air Force contract. All food and manufactured goods must be imported. The economic activity is limited to providing services to U.S. military personnel and contractors on the island. It is a U.S. commercial and military base under the jurisdiction of the Federal Aviation Agency.

STATISTICS
Population (October 2001): No indigenous inhabitants; as of December 2001, one US Army civilian and 2000 civilian contractor personnel were present.
Land Area: 2.51 sq. mi. (6.5 sq. km)