Kili Island

This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (August 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Kili Island

NASA Astronaut Photography image of Kili Island
Map of the island
Kili Island
Geography
Location	North Pacific
Coordinates	5°38′46″N 169°07′42″E / 5.64611°N 169.12833°E / 5.64611; 169.12833
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

Kili Island or Kili Atoll (Marshallese: Kōle, [kɤlʲe]^[1]) 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,^[2] 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 Bikini for nuclear testing in 1945, which they were told was of great importance to humankind,^[3] though it is sometimes considered a forced relocation.^[4] 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 a good sized island for the Marshall Islands, but it is not an atoll with a lagoon.