Eniwetok

Eniwetok, also spelled Eniwetok, is a coral atoll in the Marshall Islands in the western Pacific Ocean. It lies in the northwestern part of the chain known as the Ralik Chain and consists of about 40 small islands surrounding a large central lagoon. The total land area is small, with most of the atoll made up of low-lying coral islets.

Between 1948 and 1958, Enewetak was used by the United States as a nuclear testing site. The atoll hosted numerous atmospheric and underwater detonations, including the first thermonuclear device, Ivy Mike, in 1952 on Elugelab Island. The tests caused widespread radioactive contamination, leading to the evacuation and long-term relocation of Marshallese residents from Enewetak and nearby atolls. The environmental impact affected the land, lagoon, and ecosystems for many years.

Cleanup and remediation efforts began in the 1970s and continued into the 1980s, with soil removal and containment of radioactive waste. After partial cleanup, some residents returned to select islets, but large portions of the atoll remain sparsely inhabited or restricted due to lingering contamination. The proceedings surrounding compensation and responsibility are tied to the broader context of the Compact of Free Association with the United States.

Today Enewetak is part of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. It remains a site of historical significance for nuclear testing and environmental remediation. The atoll continues to be monitored for radiation and ecological recovery, and its history contributes to international discussions on nuclear weapons, victim compensation, and environmental cleanup.