Ailinginae Atoll, Coral atoll in Ralik Chain, Marshall Islands.
Ailinginae Atoll is a coral formation in the Ralik Chain consisting of 25 islands within the Pacific Ocean. The surrounding lagoon spans roughly 106 square kilometers, creating a sheltered water body within the ring of land.
Spanish navigator Álvaro de Saavedra first reached this location on January 1, 1528, naming it Islas de los Reyes after the Epiphany celebration. The site became integrated into Marshallese territorial holdings over subsequent centuries.
The atoll belongs to the Ralik Chain, where residents historically used the Rālik dialect of Marshallese language. This linguistic tradition reflects the cultural identity of the western island cluster distinct from eastern varieties.
Access to the site requires water transport since it lies in the Pacific Ocean with no land connections. Traveling there involves planning for boat travel and maritime conditions.
The site sits close to Bikini and carries associations with early nuclear testing impacts, though it was not a direct test location itself. All residents departed in 1954 as precaution against regional radiation concerns.
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