Howland Island

Howland Island extends 1.5 miles in length and rises 20 feet above sea level, featuring a central basin filled with vegetation and wildlife.

The United States claimed this territory in 1857 under the Guano Act, initiating mining operations that continued until the late nineteenth century.

The island maintains remnants of the American Equatorial Islands Colonization Project from 1935, including structures and the navigational Earhart Light tower.

Access to Howland Island requires special permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, primarily restricted to scientific research and education.

The island marks the last location on Earth where date changes occur, situated within the UTC-12:00 time zone.

Location: United States Minor Outlying Islands

Inception: 1937

Elevation above the sea: 5 m

Website: http://fws.gov/refuge/howland_island

GPS coordinates: 0.80667,-176.61639

Latest update: May 27, 2025 20:15