Nikumaroro Postal Codes: KI0206 | Phoenix Islands

Key Facts

Nikumaroro is a small, uninhabited coral atoll located in the Phoenix Islands group of the Republic of Kiribati. Situated in the central Pacific Ocean, this remote atoll lies approximately 1,800 kilometers southeast of Tarawa, the capital of Kiribati, and forms part of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area, one of the largest marine protected areas in the world. The atoll measures about 7.5 kilometers in length and 2.5 kilometers in width, with a total land area of just 4.1 square kilometers surrounding a central lagoon. Nikumaroro gained historical significance as a potential landing site of Amelia Earhart's ill-fated 1937 flight, with several expeditions conducted to investigate this theory. The island features sparse vegetation dominated by coconut palms and scrub, with no permanent human population, though it occasionally hosts scientific researchers and conservation workers. As part of the Phoenix Islands group, Nikumaroro plays a crucial role in marine conservation efforts, protecting diverse coral reef ecosystems and serving as an important nesting site for seabirds. For those seeking information about this remote location, detailed geographical data and administrative details for the Phoenix Islands region are available through official sources.