Lae Atoll Explained

Lae Atoll
Map:Marshall Islands
Location:North Pacific
Coordinates:8.9361°N 166.2375°W
Country: Marshall Islands
Archipelago:Ralik
Total Islands:20
Area Km2:1.5
Elevation M:3
Population:133
Population As Of:2021
Ethnic Groups:Marshallese

Lae Atoll (Marshallese: Marshallese: Lae, [1]) is a coral atoll of 20 islands in the Pacific Ocean, and forms a legislative district of the Ralik Chain of the Marshall Islands. Its total land area is only 1.5km2, but it encloses a lagoon with an area of 17.7km2. It is located approximately 47km (29miles) east of Ujae Atoll.The population of Lae Atoll was 133 in 2021.[2] Its islands include Lae, Looj (Lotj), Bilalalon, Riblong (Ribon) and Lweijab (Lejab).

History

In early 1884, Japanese explorer and agent Suzuki Tsunenori was dispatched to Lae Atoll to investigate the murder of a Japanese sailor. When he arrived, he raised the national flag and claimed the island for Japan. However, he was ordered to return to the island to take down the flag, and the government made no formal gestures towards annexation of the islands.[3] Lae Atoll was claimed by the German Empire along with the rest of the Marshall Islands in 1885.[4] After World War I, the island came under the South Seas Mandate of the Empire of Japan. Following the end of World War II, Lae came under the control of the United States as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. It has been part of the independent Republic of the Marshall Islands since 1986.

Education

Marshall Islands Public School System operates Lae Elementary School.[5]

Kwajalein Atoll High School on Kwajalein serves the community.[6]

External links

Notes and References

  1. http://www.trussel2.com/MOD/LocL.htm#Lae Marshallese-English Dictionary - Place Name Index
  2. Web site: Republic of the Marshall Islands 2021 Census Report, Volume 1: Basic Tables and Administrative Report . May 30, 2023 . Pacific Community (SPC): Statistics for Development Division . . September 27, 2023.
  3. Book: Schuler . Friedrich . Secret Wars and Secret Policies in the Americas, 1842-1929 . 2015 . University of New Mexico Press . 9780826344908.
  4. Churchill . William . William Churchill (ethnologist) . 1920 . Germany's Lost Pacific Empire . 207706 . Geographical Review . 10 . 2 . 84.
  5. "Public Schools ." Marshall Islands Public School System. Retrieved on February 21, 2018.
  6. "Annual Report 2011-2012 ." Ministry of Education (Marshall Islands). Retrieved on February 22, 2018. p. 54 (PDF p. 55/118). "Kwajalein Atoll High School enrolls students from Kwajalein and the Kabinmeto zone including schools in Ujae, Lae, and Wotto."