United States Minor Outlying Islands

Overview

The United States Minor Outlying Islands refers to nine widely scattered islands, atolls, and reefs in the Pacific and Caribbean, including Midway Atoll, Wake Island, Johnston Atoll, and Navassa Island. These territories don't form a connected archipelago but are grouped administratively as unincorporated territories of the United States. Most of the islands are uninhabited, with only temporary researchers, military personnel, or conservation staff present at times; there is essentially no permanent civilian population anywhere in the group.

Midway Atoll, the site of one of the most famous naval battles of the Pacific theater in World War II, now functions as a national memorial and wildlife refuge, home to the world's largest albatross colony. Wake Island also played a significant role in World War II and today serves as a U.S. Air Force base, with no civilian access. Palmyra Atoll and its surrounding coral reefs are managed by The Nature Conservancy and preserve one of the most pristine marine ecosystems in the Pacific, open mainly to research-based visits.

These islands are essentially inaccessible to travelers in the conventional sense, with no commercial flights, ferry connections, or accommodations, and entry restricted to strict permits typically reserved for scientific researchers or government personnel. Scientifically and ecologically, however, they are highly significant, offering rare, undisturbed ground for studying pristine coral reefs, seabird colonies, and marine life. Those interested in learning more about these places can do so mainly through documentaries, scientific publications, or materials from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.