Ujae Atoll facts for kids
NASA picture of Ujae Atoll
|
|
Map of Ujae in the Marshall Islands
|
|
 Ujae Atoll
Location in Marshall Islands
Map of Ujae in the Marshall Islands
|
|
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | North Pacific Ocean |
| Coordinates | 09°03′00″N 165°39′00″E / 9.05000°N 165.65000°E |
| Archipelago | Ralik |
| Total islands | 14 |
| Area | 1.86 km2 (0.72 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 3 m (10 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 310 (2021) |
| Ethnic groups | Marshallese |
Ujae Atoll (which is called Wūjae or Ujae in the Marshallese language) is a group of 15 islands in the Pacific Ocean. These islands form a coral atoll, which is a ring-shaped island made of coral. Ujae Atoll is part of the Ralik Chain in the Marshall Islands.
The total land area of Ujae Atoll is quite small, only about 1.86 square kilometers (0.72 square miles). However, it surrounds a much larger lagoon, which is a calm body of water. This lagoon covers about 185.94 square kilometers (71.79 square miles). Ujae Atoll is located about 122 kilometers (76 miles) west of Kwajalein Atoll.
A Look Back in Time
Long ago, the Marshallese people had stories about Ujae Atoll. They believed it was home to timon, which means demons.
The first time Europeans officially saw Ujae Atoll was on September 21, 1529. This was during a Spanish trip led by Álvaro de Saavedra. Another Spanish trip, led by Ruy López de Villalobos, saw the atoll again in January 1543.
In 1885, the German Empire took control of Ujae Atoll and the other Marshall Islands. After World War I, the island became part of the Empire of Japan under something called the South Seas Mandate. This meant Japan was in charge.
During World War II, the United States took control. Ujae Atoll became part of a large US Naval Base Marshall Islands. After the war ended, the United States continued to manage the atoll. It was part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. This was a special agreement where the US helped prepare the islands for self-governance.
Finally, in 1986, the Marshall Islands became an independent country. Ujae Atoll has been part of the independent Marshall Islands ever since. In 2021, about 310 people lived on Ujae Atoll.
Learning on Ujae
Children on Ujae Atoll go to Ujae Elementary School. This school is run by the Marshall Islands Public School System. For high school, students usually go to Kwajalein Atoll High School, which is located on Kwajalein Atoll.
