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Location:
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Oceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and Australia
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Geographic coordinates:
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0 48 N, 176 38 W
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Map references:
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Oceania
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Area:
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total: 1.6 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 1.6 sq km
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Area - comparative:
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about three times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
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Land boundaries:
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0 km
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Coastline:
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6.4 km
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Maritime claims:
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exclusive economic zone: 200 NM
territorial sea: 12 NM
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Climate:
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equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun
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Terrain:
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low-lying, nearly level, sandy, coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef; depressed central area
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Elevation extremes:
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lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 3 m
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Natural resources:
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guano (deposits worked until late 1800s), terrestrial and aquatic wildlife
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Land use:
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arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (1998 est.)
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Irrigated land:
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0 sq km (1998 est.)
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Natural hazards:
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the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard
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Environment - current issues:
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no natural fresh water resources
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Geography - note:
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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
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