Trivia in US Minor Outlying Islands

Learn fascinating facts and trivia about this country

Oceania / Oceania

National symbols

Flag: No unique national flag has been established; officially the United States flag is raised

US Minor Outlying Islands Flag

Emblem: No unique national emblem or coat of arms exists

Trivia & facts

  • Midway Atoll is the world's largest nesting site for Laysan Albatross, breeding about 70% of the global population
  • Palmyra Atoll is the only incorporated U.S. territory with "tropical rainforest"
  • Wake Island is just west of the International Date Line, nearly a day ahead of Hawaii
  • Howland Island is famous as Amelia Earhart's final intended destination where she disappeared
  • Johnston Atoll conducted chemical weapons ocean incineration experiments in the 1990s
  • Navassa Island lighthouse is called America's most isolated lighthouse
  • Kingman Reef is called a "phantom island" as land almost disappears at high tide
  • Island postal cancellations (USPS "APO, UM" marking) are popular with collectors
  • Most islands have no freshwater resources, using collected rainwater
  • The former .um domain was freely distributed to individuals, with devoted fans even after closure

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