Baker Island is an uninhabited atoll located in the Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia. The island is part of the United States Minor Outlying Islands and is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Baker Island is a coral atoll, with no permanent fresh water sources. The island is surrounded by a narrow fringing reef, which makes it difficult to approach by boat. The island is dominated by low-lying vegetation, including coconut palms and native grasses. The island is an important breeding ground for seabirds, including several species of terns and boobies.
The island was discovered by British Captain William Baker in 1832, and was annexed by the United States in 1856. The island was used for guano mining in the late 19th century, but was abandoned in the early 20th century due to the low quality of the guano. During World War II, the island was occupied by the United States military, which built an airstrip and other facilities on the island. After the war, the island was returned to its former uninhabited state.
Today, Baker Island is a wildlife sanctuary and a popular destination for amateur radio operators, who come to the island to make contact with other operators around the world. The island is also a popular destination for scientists studying marine and bird life, as well as for tourists interested in exploring the island's unique natural environment.