ABOUT ARNO ATOLL

Arno Atoll (Marshallese: Arņo, pronounced [ɑnnˠɔ]) is a coral atoll consisting of 133 islands in the Pacific Ocean. It forms a legislative district of the Ratak Chain in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The atoll has a total land area of approximately 5 square miles (13 km²).

Unlike most other atolls, Arno surrounds three separate lagoons: one large central lagoon and two smaller lagoons to the north and east. The main lagoon covers an area of approximately 130.77 square miles (338.7 km²).

Located just 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Majuro Atoll, the capital of the Marshall Islands, Arno is the closest atoll to the capital. On a clear day, it can be seen looking east from Majuro, particularly during low tide.

According to the 2021 census, Arno Atoll had a population of 1,141 people. Its most populated islets include Ajeltokrok, Kobjeltak, Rearlaplap, Langor and Tutu. The largest village on the atoll is Ine.

The people of Arno are well known for producing copra, which is the dried meat of coconuts used to extract coconut oil. Arno women are also renowned for making Kili Bags, popular handwoven handbags and purses. These bags are named after Kili Island in the Marshall Islands, where many people from Bikini Atoll were relocated following the United States nuclear tests conducted on their home atoll.

Arno is also believed to have traditionally had a so-called "love school", which was reportedly part of its unique cultural traditions.