Wotje Atoll
NASA picture of Erikub and Wotje Atolls
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 Wotje Atoll
Wotje Atoll (Marshall islands)
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| Geography | |
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| Location | North Pacific |
| Coordinates | 09°26′30″N 170°01′00″E / 9.44167°N 170.01667°E |
| Archipelago | Ratak |
| Total islands | 75 |
| Area | 8.18 km2 (3.16 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 3 m (10 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 1000 (2007) |
| Ethnic groups | Marshallese |
Wotje Atoll (Marshallese: Wōjjā, [ɔ̯ɔ͡ɛtʲːææ̯]) is a coral atoll of 75 islands in the Pacific Ocean, and forms a legislative district of the Ratak Chain of the Marshall Islands. Wotje's land area of 8.18 square kilometres (3.16 sq mi) is one of the largest in the Marshall Islands, and encloses a lagoon of 624 square kilometres (241 sq mi). The atoll is oriented east and west and is 45 kilometres (28 mi) at its longest point, and 18 kilometres (11 mi) at its greatest width. In 1999, the population of the islands in atoll was 900. As of 2007[update], the population was nearly 1,000, which included about 200 teenagers who live on the island at the public boarding school, Northern Islands High School. The Wotje Atoll includes a number of islets, including Wotje (the largest), Bodao, Enejeltalk, Ukon, Wetwirok, Kaiken, Wormej, Kimajo, Ninum, Kaben. 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. 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.
Wotje, Wotje is serviced by 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 services are provided by Air Marshall Islands to Wotje Airport.
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