note: American civilians evacuated in 1942 after Japanese air and naval attacks during World War II; occupied by US military during World War II, but abandoned after the war; public entry is by special-use permit from US Fish and Wildlife Service only and generally restricted to scientists and educators; visited annually by US Fish and Wildlife Service (July 2001 est.)
Elevation:
highest point: unnamed location 3 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
Natural hazards:
the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard
Climate:
equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun
