Nobody occupying the Minor Islands has a permanent resident. These only consist of scientific and military personnel. There has never been a modern indigenous population. There was an attempt at settlement by the US government in the late 30's, but this was abandoned after a few years due to the start of World War 2.
Due to the scattered demographics of the area, the Minor Islands are grouped together for statistical purposes, and have no relationship with each other in terms of how they are governed. In addition to this, there are no cultural or political associations with any of the islands whatsoever. The vast majority of these islands are the result of US occupation of Pacific Islands during the Japanese campaign during the Second World War.
As a result of these islands, the United States has been able to set up many airfields which these islands are largely known for to project a large power in the Pacific west.