Navassa Island is an uninhabited limestone island in the Caribbean Sea between Jamaica and Haiti. Claimed by the United States in 1857 under the Guano Islands Act, its sovereignty is disputed by Haiti. Today it is a National Wildlife Refuge with strictly limited access for scientific research.
Geography & climate
Navassa Island lies in the Territory of the United States, set at approximately 18.4°N, 75°W and falling within a sub-tropical to tropical climate band. The state covers around 5 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 Navassa Island all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Navassa 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
Navassa 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
Navassa 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 Navassa 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 Navassa Island.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Navassa 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 Navassa 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-76 | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | — | — |
| Largest city | — | — |
| US region | Territory | — |
| Population | 0 | people |
| Area | 5 | km² |
| Statehood | Territory | unincorporated / organised |
| Admission order | — | — |
| Nickname | — | |
| Motto | — | |
| Latitude | 18.4 | degrees |
| Longitude | -75 | degrees |
Did you know?
Navassa is the only U.S. Minor Outlying Island in the Atlantic — the other eight are all in the Pacific. Haiti continues to dispute U.S. sovereignty, citing the 1697 Treaty of Ryswick that ceded the island to France, Haiti's colonial predecessor.
