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 The Republic of the Marshall Islands consist of 29 atolls and 5 islands within 700,000 square
miles of ocean. Although the Marshall Islands covers such a vast area, the total land area is a mere 70 square
miles. Majuro, the economic center of the islands, has a total land area of 3.75 square miles made up of 64 islands
and a lagoon area of 114 square miles.
The Marshall Islands economy is based on farming, fishing (especially tuna for sushi), and tourism. Coconut products
account for 90 percent of the nation's export volume.
For visitors and residents, the Marshall Islands offer the dream of a tropical paradise, where palm trees, sandy
beaches, turquoise lagoons, and coral reefs abound. The islands and atolls offer a haven for adventurous sports
fisherman, scuba divers and snorkelers, and those just looking for a slower paced tropical vacation.
The natural beauty and rich culture of the
Marshall Islands attracts tourists from around the world.
Background
Micronesian peoples were the first inhabitants of the archipelago. The islands were explored by the Spanish in
the 16th century  and were named for a British captain in 1788. Germany unsuccessfully attempted to colonize
the islands in 1885. Japan claimed them in 1914, but after several battles during World War II, the U.S. seized
them from the Japanese. In 1947, the UN made the island group, along with the Mariana and Caroline archipelagos,
a U.S. trust territory.
After almost four decades under US administration as the easternmost part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific
Islands, the Marshall Islands attained independence in 1986 under a Compact of Free Association. Compensation claims
continue as a result of US nuclear testing on some of the atolls between 1947 and 1962. The Marshall Islands have
been home to the US Army Base Kwajalein (USAKA) since 1964.
Marshall Islands At a Glance
Language: English (widely spoken as a second
language, both English and Marshallese are official languages), two major Marshallese dialects from the Malayo-Polynesian
family, Japanese
Government: Constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered
into force 21 October 1986
Capital: Majuro
Size: total: 181.3 sq km - includes the atolls of Bikini, Enewetak, Kwajalein, Majuro, Rongelap, and Utirik
Location: Oceania, group of atolls and reefs in the North Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii
to Australia
Climate: tropical; hot and humid; wet season from May to November; islands border typhoon belt
Electricity: Electricity on Majuro and Ebeye is generated by modern power plants. They supply 110- volt/60 cycle
power. Outer islands have small generators and some solar panels
Currency: U.S. Dollar
Driving: Visitors are allowed to drive in Majuro for 30 days with their home country's driver's license. Petrol
is twice as expensive as in the US, half as much as in Europe. Driving is on the right.
Rentals: Rental cars are available on Majuro and Ebeye.
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