Canton Island, also known as Kanton Island, is an uninhabited coral atoll and part of the Phoenix Islands in Kiribati, a country located in the central Pacific Ocean. It is the largest island in the Phoenix Islands group and is known for its unique and diverse ecosystem.
There is no city or permanent population on Canton Island. It has been used for various purposes over the years, including as a refueling stop for commercial airlines and a U.S. military base during World War II. However, it is primarily a nature reserve and is now managed as part of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA), which is one of the largest marine protected areas in the world.
Canton Island is of great scientific interest due to its pristine environment and its role as a breeding site for seabirds and marine turtles. It is also known for its coral reefs and underwater biodiversity. Access to the island is limited, and visitors are generally restricted to scientific research teams and authorized personnel.
Despite its lack of permanent human population, Canton Island remains an important site for ecological research and conservation efforts in the Pacific region.