180th meridian
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The 180th meridian or antimeridian is the meridian defined as 180° longitude. It is the line of longitude exactly opposite the Prime Meridian. It is common to both east longitude and west longitude. It is used as the basis for the International Date Line because it for the most part passes through the open waters of the Pacific Ocean. However, the meridian passes through a few countries as well as Antarctica:
- Russia - Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, including Wrangel Island
- United States - Aleutian Islands of Alaska - misses every island, passing between Semisopochnoi Island and Amatignak Island
- Kiribati - misses every island, passing between the Gilbert Islands and the Phoenix Islands
- Tuvalu - passes through its territorial waters just east of Nukulaelae
- Fiji - crosses Vanua Levu, Rabi Island, and Taveuni
- New Zealand - misses every island, passing between North Island and the Kermadec Islands, also between the Bounty Islands and the Chatham Islands
- Antarctica - Ross Ice Shelf and Transantarctic Mountains
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