Marshall Islands

Land Characteristics

Name of Country: Republic of Marshall Islands

Form of Government: Republic (in free association with the United States)

Capital: Majuro

Area: 181.3 km²

Time Zone: GMT + 12 hours

Population: 61 000

Population 2015: (estimated) 116 500

Population density: 336 per km²

Life expectancy: 66.2 years

Infant mortality (per 1000): 38.7

Languages: Marshallese *, English *, Japanese, German

Literacy: 94%

Religions: Protestant 90%, Catholic 8%, Others 2%

Population: Micronesians 98%, Other 2%

Currency: US-Dollar

Economy: Services 68%, Industry 21%, Agriculture 11%

GDP per capita: 3060 US-Dollars

Climate: Tropical, rainy season from May to November

Highest point: Culmination of Likiep (10m high)

The Marshall Islands are located in the North Pacific, right on the path between Papua New Guinea and Hawaii (USA). The territory comprises 34 atolls, including "Kwajalein", the largest atoll on earth. About 2000 BC the islands were settled. Spanish navigators discovered the area in 1529 and managed them starting 1874. They were followed by Germans, Japanese and Americans. Between 1946 and 1958 the USA used a part of the Marshall Islands for their devastating nuclear tests. The residents were compensated, however the clean up of the radiation-contaminated islands is still going on. Since 1986 a contract with the U.S. on a "free association" has existed.