Marshall Islands
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Island country in the central Pacific Ocean
Marshall Islands
| Official name | Republic of the Marshall Islands |
|---|---|
| Common name | Marshall Islands |
| Motto | |
| Anthem | |
| Flag |  |
| Coat of arms |  |
| Capital | Majuro |
| Largest city | Majuro |
| Government | Unitary parliamentary republic |
| Legislature |
The Marshall Islands (Template:Lang-mh) is an island country located near the equator in the Pacific Ocean, slightly west of the International Date Line. Geographically, the country is part of the larger island group of Micronesia. The Marshall Islands share maritime boundaries with Wake Island to the north, Kiribati to the southeast, Nauru to the south, and the Federated States of Micronesia to the west.
History[edit | edit source]
The Marshall Islands were settled by Micronesians in the 2nd millennium BC. The islands were first explored by Europeans in the 1520s, starting with the Spanish explorer Alonso de Salazar. The islands are named after British explorer John Marshall, who visited them in 1788. In 1885, the islands were claimed by the German Empire and became part of German New Guinea. After World War I, the islands were administered by Japan under a League of Nations mandate. During World War II, the United States captured the islands from Japan, and they became part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands under U.S. administration. The Marshall Islands gained independence in 1986 under the Compact of Free Association with the United States. The compact provides the Marshall Islands with financial assistance and defense guarantees in exchange for U.S. military access to the islands.
Geography[edit | edit source]
The Marshall Islands consist of 29 atolls and 5 isolated islands, which form two parallel groups: the Ratak Chain and the Ralik Chain. The total land area is about 181 square kilometers, but the islands are spread out over 1,942,460 square kilometers of ocean. The climate is tropical, with a wet season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. The islands are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, particularly rising sea levels.
Government and Politics[edit | edit source]
The Marshall Islands is a parliamentary republic with a President as the head of state and government. The Nitijela (parliament) is unicameral and consists of 33 members elected to four-year terms. The legal system is based on common law and customary law.
Economy[edit | edit source]
The economy of the Marshall Islands is primarily based on services, with a significant portion of the GDP coming from U.S. aid under the Compact of Free Association. Other important sectors include fishing, agriculture, and the leasing of land for military use. The country uses the United States dollar as its currency.
Demographics[edit | edit source]
The population of the Marshall Islands is predominantly Marshallese, with small communities of other Pacific Islanders, Asians, and Caucasians. The official languages are Marshallese and English. The majority of the population is Christian, with the United Church of Christ being the largest denomination.
Culture[edit | edit source]
Marshallese culture is rooted in Micronesian traditions, with a strong emphasis on family and community. Traditional skills such as navigation and canoe building are highly valued. The Marshall Islands is also known for its unique stick charts, which are used for navigation.
Education[edit | edit source]
Education in the Marshall Islands is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 14. The country has several primary and secondary schools, as well as the College of the Marshall Islands.
Health[edit | edit source]
The healthcare system in the Marshall Islands faces challenges, including limited resources and a high prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The country has a few hospitals and clinics, with the main hospital located in Majuro.
See also[edit | edit source]
- List of islands of the Marshall Islands
- History of the Marshall Islands
- Geography of the Marshall Islands
- Politics of the Marshall Islands
- Economy of the Marshall Islands
References[edit | edit source]
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