Marshall Islands

I

Introduction

Marshall Islands, archipelago and republic, part of Micronesia in the Pacific Ocean. The country consists of 34 islands scattered over 1.3 million sq km (500,000 sq mi) and clustered in two main groups: the south-eastern Ratak Chain and the north-western Ralik Chain. The islands are atolls and other coral reef islands; Kwajalein is the largest atoll and Majuro the capital atoll. Majuro's settlements of Dalap, Uliga, and Darrit are the largest in the republic. The republic’s capital is Dalap-Uliga-Darrit. The total land area is 181 sq km (70 sq mi).

II

Population

The inhabitants are Micronesian. The population is 61,782 (2007 estimate), giving an average density of 341 people per sq km (884 per sq mi). Life expectancy is 69 years for men and 73 years for women. The official language is Marshallese, an Austronesian language, spoken by the majority of the population. English is also spoken.

III

Economy

The chief economic activities are subsistence agriculture, fishing, and tourism, and some high-grade phosphate is mined. The major export is copra (the oil-rich dried kernels of coconuts). The islands have few natural resources and so imports far exceed exports. In 2004 the gross national product was about US$142 million (World Bank estimate), giving an average income per head of US$2,930. The monetary unit of the Marshall Islands is the US dollar. The tourist industry is the primary source of foreign exchange and employs about 10 per cent of the workforce. The Marshall Islands receive financial assistance from the United States in accordance with the Compact of Free Association (see History section below); in 1995-1996 the US aid package amounted to US$52.8 million (82 per cent of which was provided). Australia and Japan also provide aid. About 42 per cent of the government’s 1994-1995 budget had to go towards debt repayment.

IV

Government

Under a constitution that came into force on May 1, 1979, the country is a democratic republic, headed by a president elected to a four-year term. The legislature (Nitijela) has 33 members, who are also elected to four-year terms. The president is aided by a consultative committee—the Council of Chiefs. The country’s first president was Amata Kabua.

The Marshall Islands’ highest court is the Supreme Court. There is also a High Court, a District Court, and community courts.

The Marshall Islands is a member of the United Nations (UN), the Asian Development Bank, the Pacific Community and the Pacific Islands Forum.