Midway Atoll is a coral atoll near the northwestern end of the Hawaiian Ridge, 2,100 km northwest of Honolulu. Site of the decisive 1942 Battle of Midway and a former US Navy air station, it is now a National Wildlife Refuge home to nearly three million seabirds — the world's largest albatross colony.
Geography & climate
Midway Atoll lies in the Territory of the United States, set at approximately 28.2°N, 177.4°W and falling within a warm temperate climate band. The state covers around 6 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 Midway Atoll all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Midway Atoll 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 ~40, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Status & relationship to the United States
Midway Atoll 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
Midway Atoll is nicknamed “Pihemanu”. 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 Midway Atoll 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 Midway Atoll.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Midway Atoll 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 Midway Atoll 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-71 | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | — | — |
| Largest city | — | — |
| US region | Territory | — |
| Population | ~40 | people |
| Area | 6 | km² |
| Statehood | Territory | unincorporated / organised |
| Admission order | — | — |
| Nickname | Pihemanu | — |
| Motto | — | |
| Latitude | 28.2 | degrees |
| Longitude | -177.4 | degrees |
Did you know?
Midway hosts more nesting Laysan albatross than anywhere else on Earth — about 1.5 million pairs return each winter. The oldest known wild bird in the world, "Wisdom" (a Laysan albatross banded in 1956), still lays eggs there.
