Ulithi is one of the western Caroline Islands, which lie in the Pacific Ocean. Ulithi consists of a large atoll, with 183 square miles (474 square kilometers) of lagoon and some detached reefs and islets (very small islands). The land area totals less than 2 square miles (5 square kilometers). About 710 Micronesians live on the islets. They raise food for their own use and make copra for trade.
The United States took control of Ulithi as part of a United Nations trusteeship in 1947. In 1980, Ulithi and other Caroline Islands formed the Federated States of Micronesia. In 1986, these islands became a self-governing political unit in free association with the United States.
