Marshall Islands

Introduction ::Marshall Islands

Background:

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 hosts the US Army Kwajalein Atoll (USAKA) Reagan Missile Test Site, a key installation in the US missile defense network.

Geography ::Marshall Islands

Location:

Oceania, two archipelagic island chains of 29 atolls, each made up of many small islets, and five single islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and Australia

Geographic coordinates:

9 00 N, 168 00 E

Area:

total: 181 sq km

country comparison to the world: 217

land: 181 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: the archipelago includes 11,673 sq km of lagoon waters and encompasses the atolls of Bikini, Enewetak, Kwajalein, Majuro, Rongelap, and Utirik

Area - comparative:

about the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

370.4 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November; islands border typhoon belt

Terrain:

low coral limestone and sand islands

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location on Likiep 10 m

Natural resources:

coconut products, marine products, deep seabed minerals

Land use:

arable land: 11.11%

permanent crops: 44.44%

other: 44.44% (2011)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (2011)

Natural hazards:

infrequent typhoons

Environment - current issues:

inadequate supplies of potable water; pollution of Majuro lagoon from household waste and discharges from fishing vessels

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the islands of Bikini and Enewetak are former US nuclear test sites; Kwajalein atoll, famous as a World War II battleground, surrounds the world's largest lagoon and is used as a US missile test range; the island city of Ebeye is the second largest settlement in the Marshall Islands, after the capital of Majuro, and one of the most densely populated locations in the Pacific

People and Society ::Marshall Islands

Nationality:

noun: Marshallese (singular and plural)

adjective: Marshallese

Ethnic groups:

Marshallese 92.1%, mixed Marshallese 5.9%, other 2% (2006)

Languages:

Marshallese (official) 98.2%, other languages 1.8% (1999 census)

note: English (official), widely spoken as a second language

Religions:

Protestant 54.8%, Assembly of God 25.8%, Roman Catholic 8.4%, Bukot nan Jesus 2.8%, Mormon 2.1%, other Christian 3.6%, other 1%, none 1.5% (1999 census)

Population:

69,747 (July 2013 est.)

country comparison to the world: 202

Age structure:

0-14 years: 37.2% (male 13,227/female 12,730)

15-24 years: 17.5% (male 6,222/female 5,997)

25-54 years: 36.5% (male 12,931/female 12,499)

55-64 years: 5.5% (male 2,014/female 1,852)

65 years and over: 3.3% (male 1,111/female 1,164) (2013 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.4 years

male: 22.4 years

female: 22.4 years (2013 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.79% (2013 est.)

country comparison to the world: 67

Birth rate:

27.21 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)

country comparison to the world: 47

Death rate:

4.27 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)

country comparison to the world: 206

Net migration rate:

-5 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)

country comparison to the world: 192

Urbanization:

urban population: 72% of total population (2010)

rate of urbanization: 2.3% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

Major urban areas - population:

MAJURO (capital) 30,000 (2009)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.95 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 22.15 deaths/1,000 live births

country comparison to the world: 85

male: 24.93 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 19.22 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.31 years

country comparison to the world: 134

male: 70.18 years

female: 74.55 years (2013 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.29 children born/woman (2013 est.)

country comparison to the world: 52

Contraceptive prevalence rate:

44.6% (2007)

Health expenditures:

18.1% of GDP (2010)

country comparison to the world: 1

Physicians density:

0.56 physicians/1,000 population (2008)

Hospital bed density:

2.7 beds/1,000 population (2010)

Drinking water source:

improved:

urban: 92% of population

rural: 99% of population

total: 94% of population

unimproved:

urban: 8% of population

rural: 1% of population

total: 6% of population (2010 est.)

Sanitation facility access:

improved:

urban: 83% of population

rural: 53% of population

total: 75% of population

unimproved:

urban: 17% of population

rural: 47% of population

total: 25% of population (2010 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Obesity - adult prevalence rate:

45.4% (2008)

country comparison to the world: 9

Education expenditures:

12.2% of GDP (2004)

country comparison to the world: 3

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.7%

male: 93.6%

female: 93.7% (1999)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 11 years

female: 12 years (2003)

Government ::Marshall Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of the Marshall Islands

conventional short form: Marshall Islands

local long form: Republic of the Marshall Islands

local short form: Marshall Islands

abbreviation: RMI

former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Marshall Islands District

Government type:

constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force on 21 October 1986 and the Amended Compact entered into force in May 2004

Capital:

name: Majuro

geographic coordinates: 7 06 N, 171 23 E

time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

24 municipalities; Ailinglaplap, Ailuk, Arno, Aur, Bikini & Kili, Ebon, Enewetak & Ujelang, Jabat, Jaluit, Kwajalein, Lae, Lib, Likiep, Majuro, Maloelap, Mejit, Mili, Namdrik, Namu, Rongelap, Ujae, Utrik, Wotho, Wotje

Independence:

21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 1 May (1979)

Constitution:

1 May 1979

Legal system:

mixed legal system of US and English common law, customary law, and local statutes

International law organization participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Christopher J. LOEAK (since 17 January 2012); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Christopher J. LOEAK (since 17 January 2012)

cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president from among the members of the legislature

(For more information visit the World Leaders website )

elections: president elected by Nitijela (legislature) from among its members for a four-year term; election last held on 3 January 2012 (next to be held in 2016)

election results: Nitijela elected Christopher J. LOEAK president on 3 January 2012

Legislative branch:

unicameral legislature or Nitijela (33 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 21 November 2011 (next to be held by November 2015)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - independents 33

note: the Council of Chiefs or Ironij is a 12-member body comprised of tribal chiefs that advises on matters affecting customary law and practice

Judicial branch:

highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and other judges as prescribed by law)

judge selection and term of office: judges appointed by the Cabinet on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission and upon the approval of the Nitijela; judges appointed until retirement, normally at age 72

subordinate courts: High Court; District Courts; Traditional Rights Court; Community Courts

Political parties and leaders:

traditionally there have been no formally organized political parties; what has existed more closely resembles factions or interest groups because they do not have party headquarters, formal platforms, or party structures; the following two ""groupings"" have competed in legislative balloting in recent years - Aelon Kein Ad Party [Michael KABUA] and United Democratic Party or UDP [Litokwa TOMEING]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Charles R. PAUL

chancery: 2433 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] [phone]

FAX: [1] [phone]

consulate(s) general: Honolulu, Springdale (AR)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas H. ARMBRUSTER

embassy: Oceanside, Mejen Weto, Long Island, Majuro

mailing address: P. O. Box 1379, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands 96960-1379

telephone: [692] 247-4011

FAX: [692] 247-4012

Flag description:

blue with two stripes radiating from the lower hoist-side corner - orange (top) and white; a white star with four large rays and 20 small rays appears on the hoist side above the two stripes; blue represents the Pacific Ocean, the orange stripe signifies the Ralik Chain or sunset and courage, while the white stripe signifies the Ratak Chain or sunrise and peace; the star symbolizes the cross of Christianity, each of the 24 rays designates one of the electoral districts in the country and the four larger rays highlight the principal cultural centers of Majuro, Jaluit, Wotje, and Ebeye; the rising diagonal band can also be interpreted as representing the equator, with the star showing the archipelago's position just to the north

National anthem:

name: ""Forever Marshall Islands""

lyrics/music: Amata KABUA

note: adopted 1981

Economy ::Marshall Islands

Economy - overview:

US assistance and lease payments for the use of Kwajalein Atoll as a US military base are the mainstay of this small island country. The Marshall Islands received roughly $1 billion in aid from the US during 1986-2001 under the original Compact of Free Association (Compact). In 2002 and 2003, the US and the Marshall Islands renegotiated the Compact's financial package for a 20-year period, from 2004 to 2024. Under the amended Compact, the Marshall Islands will receive roughly $1.5 billion in direct US assistance. Agricultural production, primarily subsistence, is concentrated on small farms; the most important commercial crops are coconuts and breadfruit. Industry is limited to handicrafts, tuna processing, and copra. Tourism holds some potential. The islands and atolls have few natural resources, and imports exceed exports. Under the amended Compact, the US is also funding, jointly with the Marshall Islands, a Trust Fund for the people of the Marshall Islands that will provide an income stream beyond 2024 when direct Compact aid is to end.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$481.8 million (2012 est.)

country comparison to the world: 216

$472.8 million (2011 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$182 million (2012 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.9% (2012 est.)

country comparison to the world: 141

0.8% (2011 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$8,800 (2012 est.)

country comparison to the world: 128

$8,900 (2011 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin:

agriculture: 14.3%

industry: 13.9%

services: 71.8% (2011 est.)

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, tomatoes, melons, taro, breadfruit, fruits; pigs, chickens

Industries:

copra, tuna processing, tourism, craft items (from seashells, wood, and pearls)

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Labor force:

10,480 (2011 est.)

country comparison to the world: 216

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 11%

industry: 16.3%

services: 72.7% (2011 est.)

Unemployment rate:

36% (2006 est.)

country comparison to the world: 186

30.9% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Budget:

revenues: $105.4 million

expenditures: $104.7 million (FY09 est.)

Taxes and other revenues:

57.9% of GDP (FY09 est.)

country comparison to the world: 8

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):

0.4% of GDP (FY09 est.)

country comparison to the world: 38

Fiscal year:

1 October - 30 September

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

12.9% (2008 est.)

country comparison to the world: 208

3% (2005 est.)

Exports:

$50.14 million (2011 est.)

country comparison to the world: 195

$9.1 million (2000 est.)

Exports - commodities:

copra cake, coconut oil, handicrafts, fish

Imports:

$118.7 million (2011 est.)

country comparison to the world: 211

$54.7 million (2000 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, fuels, beverages, tobacco

Debt - external:

$87 million (2008 est.)

country comparison to the world: 190

$86.5 million (FY99/00 est.)

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::Marshall Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

4,400 (2010)

country comparison to the world: 212

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3,800 (2010)

country comparison to the world: 214

Telephone system:

general assessment: digital switching equipment; modern services include telex, cellular, Internet, international calling, caller ID, and leased data circuits

domestic: Majuro Atoll and Ebeye and Kwajalein islands have regular, seven-digit, direct-dial telephones; other islands interconnected by high frequency radiotelephone (used mostly for government purposes) and mini-satellite telephones

international: country code - 692; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean); US Government satellite communications system on Kwajalein (2005)

Broadcast media:

no TV broadcast station; a cable network is available on Majuro with programming via videotape replay and satellite relays; 4 radio broadcast stations; American Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) provides satellite radio and television service to Kwajalein Atoll (2009)

Internet country code:

.mh

Internet hosts:

3 (2012)

country comparison to the world: 232

Internet users:

2,200 (2009)

country comparison to the world: 210

Transportation ::Marshall Islands

Airports:

15 (2013)

country comparison to the world: 146

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2013)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 11

914 to 1,523 m: 10

under 914 m:

1 (2013)

Roadways:

total: 2,028 km (includes 75 km of expressways) (2007)

country comparison to the world: 174

Merchant marine:

total: 1,593

country comparison to the world: 7

by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 524, cargo 65, carrier 1, chemical tanker 351, container 226, liquefied gas 88, passenger 7, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 297, refrigerated cargo 13, roll on/roll off 9, vehicle carrier 10

foreign-owned: 1,468 (Belgium 1, Bermuda 35, Brazil 1, Canada 8, China 14, Croatia 12, Cyprus 40, Denmark 7, Egypt 1, France 7, Germany 248, Greece 408, Hong Kong 3, India 10, Indonesia 1, Iraq 2, Ireland 6, Italy 1, Japan 59, Jersey 11, Kuwait 2, Latvia 19, Malaysia 11, Mexico 2, Monaco 30, Netherlands 21, Norway 75, Pakistan 1, Qatar 29, Romania 2, Russia 5, Singapore 30, Slovenia 6, South Korea 41, Sweden 1, Switzerland 12, Taiwan 8, Turkey 70, UAE 12, UK 12, Ukraine 1, US 200) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Enitwetak Island, Kwajalein, Majuro

Military ::Marshall Islands

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Marshall Islands Police (2012)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 16,446 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 13,568

females age 16-49: 13,606 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 653

female: 631 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues ::Marshall Islands

Disputes - international:

claims US territory of Wake Island

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: The Marshall Islands are a destination country for women from East Asia subjected to sex trafficking; foreign women are reportedly forced into prostitution in bars frequented by crew members of fishing vessels; some Chinese women are recruited to the Marshall Islands with promises of legitimate work and are subsequently forced into prostitution

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - The Marshall Islands do not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; the government has not identified any victims, investigated any trafficking cases, or prosecuted any offenders under the country's 2011 anti-trafficking law; the government also has no mechanism in place to ensure that trafficking victims receive access to legal, medical, or psychological services; no public awareness campaigns on the dangers of human trafficking have been undertaken (2013)"