Overview of Marshall Islands

Profile

The Marshall Islands is a small coral reef nation scattered slightly north of the equator in the Pacific, with two island chains (Ratak Chain and Ralik Chain). Land area is only 181km² but the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) exceeds 2 million km², with fishery resources forming the economic pillar. Average elevation is 2-3m, making vulnerability to sea level rise and climate change an international concern. Once under Japanese and American administration, nuclear tests were conducted at Bikini and Enewetak atolls from 1946-1958. Gained independence in 1986 under Compact of Free Association with the U.S., delegating defense and some foreign affairs to the U.S. while operating its own government. The official language Marshallese has unique Austronesian tones and vocabulary, with "Yokwe" meaning "love, peace, hello."

Official name: Republic of the Marshall Islands
Common name: Marshall Islands
Numeric code: 584
Alpha-3 code: MHL
Alpha-2 code: MH
Population: Approximately 42,000 people (2023)
Population density: Approximately 230 people/km²
Primary languages: Marshallese, English
Major religions: Christianity (Protestant majority, Catholic and others)
National anthem: Forever Marshall Islands
Calling code: +692
Internet TLD: .mh

History

Passed through German protectorate, Japanese mandate, U.S. trust to independence in 1986.

Discovered by Spanish in 16th century, became German protectorate in late 19th century. Occupied by Japan in World War I, administered as League of Nations mandate "South Seas Mandate" with infrastructure development. U.S. forces seized in 1944, became UN Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands under U.S. administration from 1947. 67 nuclear tests conducted 1946-1958, with radioactive waste and compensation issues remaining today. Enacted constitution launching self-government in 1979, became sovereign state with Compact effective October 1986. Joined UN in 1991, concluded amended Compact in 2004 continuing U.S. aid. Recent years strengthen international voice on climate change and sea level rise, exploring renewable energy and tourism development.

Geography & climate

Low-lying coral reefs averaging 2-3m elevation, with atolls surrounding lagoons in necklace pattern. Almost no volcanic rock, soil mainly coral sand and organic matter

Tropical rainforest climate (Af)

Area: Oceania / 181 km²
Capital: Majuro
Largest city: Majuro
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Fishery resources (tuna species), Copra, Pandanus, Phosphate residue, Deep-sea manganese nodules, Cobalt-rich crust, Solar energy, Ocean energy, Tourism resources (diving), Seabird guano

Politics

Government: Presidential republic (under Compact of Free Association with U.S.)

Economy

Currency: United States Dollar (USD)

GDP (nominal): 0.26 billion USD (2022)

GDP (PPP): 0.73 billion international dollars (2022)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Marshallese, English

Time zone: Marshall Islands Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Marshallese (Micronesian), American, Filipino, Chinese, Other Pacific Islander origin

Life expectancy

Approximately 71 years

Literacy rate

Approximately 98%

National sports

Outrigger canoe racing, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball, Weightlifting