NASA picture of Ailuk Atoll |
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Ailuk Atoll (Marshall islands)
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | North Pacific |
| Archipelago | Ratak |
| Total islands | 57 |
| Area | 5.4 km2 (2.08 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 3 m (10 ft) |
| Country | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 513 (as of 1998) |
| Ethnic groups | Marshallese |
Ailuk Atoll (Marshallese: Aelok, /ɦˠaɦʲɘlʲɘkʷ/ or [ʕɑ͡æe̯ele͡okʷ][1]) is a coral atoll of 57 islets in the Pacific Ocean, and forms a legislative district of the Ratak Chain of the Marshall Islands. It is located approximately 72 kilometres (45 mi) north from Wotje. Its total land area is only 5.4 square kilometres (2.1 sq mi), but it encloses a lagoon with an area of 177.45 square kilometres (68.51 sq mi). The major islets are: Ajelep, Aliej, Ailuk, Alkilwe, Barorkan, Biken, Enejabrok, Enejelar, Kapen and Marib. Most of the islets are on the eastern side of the atoll. The western and southern sides of the atoll have a nearly continuous submerged coral reef, with three main passes that lead in to the lagoon: Erappu Channel, Marok Channel and Eneneman Channel on the west side.
Ailuk Atoll had a population of 513 as of 1999.[2]
Ailuk Atoll was claimed by the Empire of Germany along with the rest of the Marshall Islands in 1884, and the Germans established a trading outpost. After World War I, the island came under the South Pacific Mandate of the Empire of Japan. Following the end of World War II, it came under the control of the United States as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands until the independence of the Marshall Islands in 1986.
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