Kili Island
Kili Island or Kili Atoll (Marshallese: Kōle, [kɤlʲe]) is a small, 81 hectares (200 acres) (0.93 square kilometers (0.36 sq mi)) island located in the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. As of 2021, 415 people lived on the island, many of whom were descended from islanders who originally lived on Bikini Atoll. They were relocated when they agreed to let the U.S. government temporarily use their home for nuclear testing in 1945. Kili Island became their home after two prior relocations failed. The island does not have a natural lagoon and cannot produce enough food to enable the islanders to be self-sufficient. It is part of the legislative district of the Ralik Chain of the Marshall Islands. The island is approximately 48 kilometers (30 mi) southwest of Jaluit. It is one of the smallest islands in the Marshall Islands.
NASA Astronaut Photography image of Kili Island | |
Map of the island | |
Kili Island | |
Geography | |
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Location | North Pacific |
Coordinates | 5°38′46″N 169°07′42″E |
Archipelago | Ralik |
Total islands | 1 |
Area | 0.93 km2 (0.36 sq mi) |
Highest elevation | 3 m (10 ft) |
Administration | |
Marshall Islands | |
Demographics | |
Population | 415 (2021) |
Ethnic groups | Marshallese |