Baker Island is an uninhabited equatorial atoll in the central Pacific Ocean, about halfway between usa-state/hawaii/" data-it-autolink="1">Hawaii and Australia. Claimed by the United States in 1856 under the Guano Islands Act for its phosphate deposits, it is now a National Wildlife Refuge with abundant seabird colonies and pristine coral reefs.
Geography & climate
Baker Island lies in the Territory of the United States, set at approximately 0.2°N, 176.5°W and falling within a sub-tropical to tropical climate band. The state covers around 2 km² of land, with topography that runs from coastal lowlands and river basins to interior plains and (where present) mountain ranges. Local weather, growing seasons and outdoor recreation in Baker Island all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Baker Island is —, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is —, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 0, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Status & relationship to the United States
Baker Island is a United States territory rather than a state. Residents are US nationals (and in most cases US citizens), but representation in Congress is non-voting and many federal programmes apply differently. Local government, courts and schools operate under territorial law in coordination with federal agencies.
Symbols & emblems
Baker Island is nicknamed “”. The state seal, flag and coat of arms each carry historic meaning, often referencing founding settlers, native communities, agricultural roots or pivotal episodes of state history. State legislatures have additionally adopted official symbols — a state bird, flower, tree, song, fossil and more — chosen by lawmakers (and sometimes by schoolchildren) to celebrate distinctive elements of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Economy & industry
The economy of Baker Island is shaped by its geography, infrastructure and population centres. Major sectors typically span agriculture, manufacturing, energy or natural resources, services, tourism and (in metropolitan corridors) finance and technology. Federal facilities, military bases and research institutions can also be substantial regional employers in Baker Island.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Baker Island offers a mix of urban culture (museums, music venues, sports teams, cuisine) and outdoor experience (state parks, trails, coastline or mountains, depending on the geography). Regional foodways, festivals and dialects make travel between counties feel meaningfully different — even short drives across Baker Island can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
Sort or filter the table to find the values you need at a glance.
| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | UM-81 | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | — | — |
| Largest city | — | — |
| US region | Territory | — |
| Population | 0 | people |
| Area | 2 | km² |
| Statehood | Territory | unincorporated / organised |
| Admission order | — | — |
| Nickname | — | |
| Motto | — | |
| Latitude | 0.2 | degrees |
| Longitude | -176.5 | degrees |
Did you know?
Baker Island was a planned refueling stop for Amelia Earhart's 1937 round-the-world flight — Earhart vanished while searching for nearby Howland Island, just 64 km to the north.
