United States Miscellaneous Pacific Islands facts for kids

The United States Miscellaneous Pacific Islands was a name used in the past for a group of small islands in the Pacific Ocean. These islands are Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Kingman Reef, and Palmyra Atoll. The United States controls all of them. They became U.S. territories because of a law called the Guano Islands Act.

Before 1986, these islands had special codes like PU and PUS for international lists. They also had a code called IQ before 1981. Now, these islands are part of a bigger group called the United States Minor Outlying Islands. This group also includes Johnston Atoll, Midway Atoll, Navassa Island, and Wake Island. Each island now has its own special code.

What Are These Islands?

The United States Miscellaneous Pacific Islands are tiny pieces of land in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. They are very far from other big landmasses. Most of them are uninhabited, meaning no people live there permanently. They are important for science and protecting nature.

Why Are They Called "Miscellaneous"?

The word "miscellaneous" means a mix of different things. These islands were grouped together because they are small, spread out, and were all claimed by the U.S. under the same old law. This name is no longer used, but it helps us understand their history.

The Guano Islands Act

The Guano Islands Act is a U.S. law from 1856. It allowed U.S. citizens to claim islands that had deposits of "guano." Guano is a natural fertilizer made from bird droppings. It was very valuable a long time ago. This law helped the U.S. claim many small islands in the Pacific, including these ones.

How Guano Was Used

Guano was a very important resource in the 19th century. Farmers used it to make their crops grow better. Ships would travel to these remote islands to collect the guano. This made the islands valuable to the United States.

Where Are These Islands Located?

These islands are located in different parts of the Pacific Ocean. They are spread out over a large area.

• Baker Island: A small, uninhabited island just north of the equator.
• Howland Island: Another small island near the equator, famous for being where Amelia Earhart was supposed to land.
• Jarvis Island: A low, flat coral island also near the equator.
• Kingman Reef: Mostly underwater, it's a coral reef with very little dry land.
• Palmyra Atoll: A group of small islands and reefs, known for its beautiful and untouched nature.

Why Are These Islands Important Today?

Even though they are small and remote, these islands are still very important.

• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Many of them are now national wildlife refuges. They protect rare birds, sea turtles, and other ocean creatures.
• Scientific Research: Scientists visit these islands to study marine life, climate change, and unique ecosystems.
• Historical Significance: They remind us of a time when resources like guano were very important.

Protecting Nature on the Islands

Because these islands are so isolated, they are home to many unique plants and animals. The U.S. government works hard to protect these special places. This helps keep the ocean healthy for everyone.

See also

In Spanish: Área insular de Estados Unidos para niños