Phoenix Islands facts for kids
The Phoenix Islands or Rawaki are a group of eight atolls and two underwater coral reefs. They are located in the central Pacific Ocean, to the east of the Gilbert Islands and west of the Line Islands. These islands are part of the country called the Republic of Kiribati.
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What are the Phoenix Islands?
The Phoenix Islands are mostly made up of atolls. An atoll is a ring-shaped island, or a chain of islands, made of coral that surrounds a body of water called a lagoon. Imagine a donut-shaped island! The two other parts of the Phoenix Islands are submerged coral reefs, which means they are coral reefs that are underwater.
Where are the Phoenix Islands located?
These islands are found in the huge Pacific Ocean. They are part of the Republic of Kiribati, a country made up of many islands. Kiribati is known for being one of the first places in the world to see the sunrise each day!
Why are the Phoenix Islands Special?
The Phoenix Islands are very important because they are home to a huge protected area called the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA). This area is one of the largest and deepest UNESCO World Heritage Sites on Earth. It covers a massive 408,250 square kilometers (about 157,626 square miles) of ocean and land.
A Home for Wildlife
PIPA is a safe haven for many different kinds of plants and animals, especially those that live in the ocean.
- Coral Reefs: The coral reefs here are very healthy and full of life. They are like underwater cities where many fish and other sea creatures live.
- Birds: Many seabirds come to the islands to nest and raise their young. You can find different types of birds flying around.
- Marine Animals: The waters around the Phoenix Islands are home to sharks, turtles, dolphins, and many kinds of fish. It's a busy underwater world!
Protecting the Ocean
The main goal of PIPA is to protect the amazing ocean environment and its creatures. This means that activities like fishing are carefully controlled or not allowed in certain areas. This helps to keep the ocean healthy for future generations.
History of the Phoenix Islands
People have known about the Phoenix Islands for a long time. In the past, some of these islands were claimed by different countries.
Early Explorers
European explorers started visiting the Phoenix Islands in the 1800s. They were often looking for new trade routes or resources.
The Guano Islands Act
Some of the Phoenix Islands were claimed by the United States under something called the Guano Islands Act. This act allowed U.S. citizens to claim islands that had deposits of guano (bird droppings), which was used as a valuable fertilizer.
Part of Kiribati
Today, all of the Phoenix Islands are officially part of the Republic of Kiribati. Kiribati became an independent country in 1979.
Life on the Islands
Most of the Phoenix Islands are uninhabited, meaning no people live on them permanently. The only island with a small population is Kanton Island.
Kanton Island
Kanton Island is the largest of the Phoenix Islands. It has a small village and was once an important stop for airplanes crossing the Pacific. Today, it's mostly used by people who work for the Kiribati government or for conservation efforts related to PIPA.
Images for kids
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Entrance to Canton Island's Lagoon. The village site is to the left.
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Islands of the Settlement Scheme and Enderbury Island
See also
In Spanish: Islas Fénix para niños
