Palmyra Atoll is a remote atoll in the Northern Line Islands. The only incorporated US territory and the only Minor Outlying Island still subject to the full US Constitution. Privately owned by The Nature Conservancy and the US Fish and Wildlife Service since 2000, it serves as a research station for marine and terrestrial ecology.
Geography & climate
Palmyra Atoll lies in the Territory of the United States, set at approximately 5.9°N, 162.1°W and falling within a sub-tropical to tropical climate band. The state covers around 12 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 Palmyra Atoll all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Palmyra 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 ~20, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Status & relationship to the United States
Palmyra 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
Palmyra Atoll 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 Palmyra 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 Palmyra Atoll.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Palmyra 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 Palmyra 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-95 | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | — | — |
| Largest city | — | — |
| US region | Territory | — |
| Population | ~20 | people |
| Area | 12 | km² |
| Statehood | Territory | unincorporated / organised |
| Admission order | — | — |
| Nickname | — | |
| Motto | — | |
| Latitude | 5.9 | degrees |
| Longitude | -162.1 | degrees |
Did you know?
Palmyra is the ONLY incorporated US territory — meaning the full US Constitution applies there as it does in the 50 states. All other US territories (usa-state/puerto-rico/" data-it-autolink="1">Puerto Rico, Guam, etc.) are unincorporated.
