Wotje Atoll
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Coordinates: Wotje Atoll is an atoll of 75 islands in the Pacific Ocean. It is a legislative district of the Marshall Islands. Wotje's land area of 3.16 sq mi (8 km²)is large and the main island is one of the widest in Marshall Islands. The islands enclose a lagoon of 241.06 sq mi (624 km²).
The population of the islands in atoll (as of 1999) was 900. As of 2007, the population is nearly 1000, which includes about 200 teenagers who live on the island at the public boarding school, Northern Islands High School. About 125 people live on Wodmej, which is approximately 8 miles from the main island of Wotje. All other islands are uninhabited and are used only for copra production, picnics, and food gathering.
There are four churches on Wotje, Wotje: Catholic (which runs St. Thomas Elementary School), Protestant, Assembly of God, and Full Gospel. There are several stores, but the largest is Mama Store, managed by the Tomeing-Johnny family. This store has a small retail shop, restaurant and coffee window.
The atoll is serviced by field trip ships several times a year which bring supplies like rice, flour, and sugar. In addition, the local government and senator manage a small ship, Northern Star, which makes more frequent trips.
Air Marshall Islands (AMI) flies to the island twice/week on Saturdays and Tuesdays. Round-trip flight from Majuro or Kwajalein is $242USD. Passage by ship is $15-20USD.
Wotje Liberation Day (from the Japanese after WWII) is celebrated annually on June 9 with field day activities, speeches from community leaders, prayers, and a flag raising.
Wotje Atoll has four schools: Wodmej Elementary School, Wotje Elementary School, St. Thomas Elementary School, and Northern Islands High School. The first three are public schools, funded by the national Ministry of Education. St. Thomas is managed by the Maryknoll Sisters of the Catholic Church.
On Wotje, Wotje there are 2 large piers and a pristine white sandy beach. Fishing in the atoll is excellent, especially around the smaller islands. Some of the fish you catch may be poisonous, so check with the locals before you eat any. On the ocean side of the atoll, lobster fishing at night is possible depending on the season, the tides, and location.
Many WWII artifacts remain on the main island of Wotje, Wotje. A large concrete airstrip, bunkers, big guns and more make this island attractive to war history enthusiasts.
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