Ralik

Ralik, also known as the Ralik Chain, is one of the two principal geographic divisions of the Marshall Islands, a sovereign country in the central Pacific. The name derives from the Marshallese word for sunset, reflecting its position as the western chain of the archipelago. The Ralik Chain runs roughly north to south and comprises numerous low-lying coral atolls and islands.

Geographically, the Ralik Chain forms a contiguous arc across the western part of the Marshall Islands. The atolls and islands are dispersed over a wide area and share the region’s tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures and seasonal rainfall. The archipelago is vulnerable to sea-level rise and extreme weather, which impact coastal communities, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

Historically, the Marshall Islands were settled by Marshallese communities long before European contact. In the 20th century, the area came under U.S. administration as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and since 1986 the nation has been independent under a Compact of Free Association with the United States. The Ralik Chain, like the rest of the Marshall Islands, experienced the broader history of nuclear testing conducted by the United States in the mid-20th century, which affected several atolls across the archipelago and left long-term environmental and health legacies.

Today, Ralik remains primarily a geographic designation within the Marshall Islands. Local governance is conducted at the atoll and island level, while national policy is set by the Marshall Islands government within the framework of the Compact of Free Association with the United States.