Ailinglaplap Atoll
Ailinglaplap or Ailinglapalap (Marshallese: Aelōn̄ļapļap, [ɑelʲɤŋ(ɤ)lˠɑbʲ(ɛ)lˠɑpʲ]) is a coral atoll of 56 islands in the Pacific Ocean, and forms a legislative district of the Ralik Chain in the Marshall Islands. It is located 152 kilometres (94 mi) northwest of Jaluit Atoll. Its total land area is only 14.7 square kilometers (5.7 sq mi), but it encloses a lagoon of 750 square kilometers (290 sq mi). The economy of the atoll is dominated by coconut plantations. The population of the atoll was 1,175 in 2021. Jabat Island is located off the coast of Ailinglaplap Atoll. The former president of the Marshall Islands, Kessai Note, was born on Jeh Island, Ailinglaplap Atoll.
NASA picture of Ailinglaplap Atoll | |
Ailinglaplap Atoll Location in the Marshall Islands | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | North Pacific |
| Coordinates | 07°24′N 168°45′E |
| Archipelago | Ralik |
| Total islands | 56 |
| Area | 14.7 km2 (5.7 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 3 m (10 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 1,175 (2021) |
| Ethnic groups | Marshallese |
"Ailinglaplap" translates as "greatest atoll" (aelōn̄ (atoll) + ļapļap (superlative suffix)), because the greatest legends of the Marshallese people were created there. The four major population centers on Ailinglaplap Atoll are the settlements of Wotja, at the westernmost end of the atoll, Jih in the northeast, and Airek and Bigatjelang in the south.