Maug Islands
Maug Islands
| Native name: Ma'ok |
NASA image of Maug as seen from orbit |
| Geography |
| Location |
Micronesia |
| Coordinates |
20° 01′ 00″ N 145° 13′ 00″ E |
| Archipelago |
The Marianas |
| Total islands |
3 |
| Major islands |
Kita (North), Nishi (West), Higashi (East) |
| Area |
1.3222779 sq mi (3.424684 km2) |
| Highest elevation |
744.75 ft (227 m) |
| Highest point |
Kita |
| Country |
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| Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands |
| Demographics |
| Population |
uninhabited |
Location of the Maug Islands in the Pacific Ocean
The Maug Islands (from the Chamoru name for the islands as a single unit, Ma'ok, meaning "steadfast" or "everlasting") consist of three islands formed from the highest points of a single submerged volcano's caldera. This uninhabited island group is part of the Northern Islands Municipality of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Description
In the place of the ancient volcanic peak is now a deep and spacious natural harbor. Steep cliffs border the islands and the landscape on the north and west islands is dominated by columns of basalt resembling tombstones. Vegetation on the islands consist mostly of grasses with a few coconut palms.
| Island |
Japanese Name |
Area (km²) |
Height (m) |
| North Island |
Kita |
0.466 |
227 |
| East Island |
Higashi |
0.951 |
215 |
| West Island |
Nishi |
0.711 |
178 |
| TOTAL |
|
2.128 |
227 |
History
During World War II (1939-1945), the islands were used by the Japanese as a manned weather station.
National Monument status
On January 6, 2009, President George W. Bush designated the Maug Islands as part of Marianas Trench Marine National Monument, protecting the area from commercial fishing and other exploitation.
Gallery
External links
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Africa
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Pacific
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North America
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| Concessions |
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| Unrecognised |
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