Geography of RMI

The RMI consists of 29 atolls, each made up of many islets, and 5 single islands. The RMI is in the central Pacific Ocean, between 4 - 14 degrees North, and 160 - 173 degrees East. The atolls and islands are situated in two parallel chain-like formations known as the Ratak (Sunrise) and Ralik (Sunset) groups. The total number of atolls and islets in the whole RMI is approximately 1,225; spreading across a sea area of over 750,000 square miles (1.9 million square kilometers). The total land area is about 70 square miles (181 square kilometers). The mean height of the land is about 7 feet above sea level (approx 2 meters).

Urban centers are Majuro and Kwajalein atolls.

Tradewinds prevail throughout the year in Majuro and tropical storms are rare. Minor storms of the easterly wave type are quite common from March to April and October to November. The tradewinds are frequently locally interrupted during the summer months by the movement of the zone of inter-tropical convergence across the sea.

Rainfall is heavy, with the wettest months being September, October and November. Precipitation is generally of the shower type, however continuous rain is not uncommon.

The RMI has an extremely consistent temperature regime, ranging less than 2 degrees.

Weather data for the RMI are provided by the Majuro Weather Station. The Station is located on the southeastern end of Majuro atoll, in Delap village. Majuro atoll is approximately 160 square miles in area with a lagoon of about 150 square miles. The lagoon is oblong, 22 miles long and 4 miles wide.