2014 Edition

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.

Area

181 sq km 181 sq km 0 sq km the archipelago includes 11,673 sq km of lagoon waters and encompasses the atolls of Bikini, Enewetak, Kwajalein, Majuro, Rongelap, and Utirik

total

181 sq km

water

0 sq km

Area - comparative

about the size of Washington, DC

Climate

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

Coastline

370.4 km

Elevation extremes

Pacific Ocean 0 m unnamed location on Likiep 10 m

highest point

unnamed location on Likiep 10 m

lowest point

Pacific Ocean 0 m

Environment - current issues

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

Environment - international agreements

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling none of the selected 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

Geographic coordinates

9 00 N, 168 00 E

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

Irrigated land

0 sq km (2011)

Land boundaries

0 km

Land use

11.11% 44.44% 44.44% (2011)

arable land

11.11%

other

44.44% (2011)

permanent crops

44.44%

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

Map references

Oceania

Maritime claims

12 nm 24 nm 200 nm

contiguous zone

24 nm

exclusive economic zone

200 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

infrequent typhoons

Natural resources

coconut products, marine products, deep seabed minerals

Terrain

low coral limestone and sand islands

Age structure

36.6% (male 13,244/female 12,741) 17.5% (male 6,305/female 6,087) 36.9% (male 13,308/female 12,856) 5.7% (male 2,078/female 1,938) 3.3% (male 1,187/female 1,239) (2014 est.)

0-14 years

36.6% (male 13,244/female 12,741)

15-24 years

17.5% (male 6,305/female 6,087)

25-54 years

36.9% (male 13,308/female 12,856)

55-64 years

5.7% (male 2,078/female 1,938)

65 years and over

3.3% (male 1,187/female 1,239) (2014 est.)

Birth rate

26.36 births/1,000 population (2014 est.)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

44.6% (2007)

Death rate

4.24 deaths/1,000 population (2014 est.)

Drinking water source

urban: 93.4% of population rural: 97.5% of population total: 94.5% of population urban: 6.6% of population rural: 2.5% of population total: 5.5% of population (2012 est.)

rural

2.5% of population

total

5.5% of population (2012 est.)

urban

6.6% of population

Education expenditures

12.2% of GDP (2003)

Ethnic groups

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

Health expenditures

16.5% of GDP (2011)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

NA

Hospital bed density

2.7 beds/1,000 population (2010)

Infant mortality rate

21.39 deaths/1,000 live births 24.09 deaths/1,000 live births 18.55 deaths/1,000 live births (2014 est.)

female

18.55 deaths/1,000 live births (2014 est.)

total

21.39 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Marshallese (official) 98.2%, other languages 1.8% (1999 census) English (official), widely spoken as a second language

Life expectancy at birth

72.58 years 70.42 years 74.84 years (2014 est.)

female

74.84 years (2014 est.)

total population

72.58 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 93.7% 93.6% 93.7% (1999)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

93.7% (1999)

male

93.6%

total population

93.7%

Major urban areas - population

MAJURO (capital) 31,000 (2011)

Median age

22.5 years 22.5 years 22.6 years (2014 est.)

female

22.6 years (2014 est.)

male

22.5 years

total

22.5 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

20.7 median age at first birth among women 25-29 (2007 est.)

Nationality

Marshallese (singular and plural) Marshallese

adjective

Marshallese

noun

Marshallese (singular and plural)

Net migration rate

-4.92 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2014 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

45.4% (2008)

Physicians density

0.44 physicians/1,000 population (2010)

Population

70,983 (July 2014 est.)

Population growth rate

1.72% (2014 est.)

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)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 84.2% of population rural: 55.5% of population total: 76.2% of population urban: 15.8% of population rural: 44.5% of population total: 23.8% of population (2012 est.)

rural

44.5% of population

total

23.8% of population (2012 est.)

urban

15.8% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

12 years 11 years 12 years (2003)

female

12 years (2003)

male

11 years

total

12 years

Sex ratio

1.05 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 0.95 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female (2014 est.)

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

1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.95 male(s)/female

at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

total population

1.04 male(s)/female (2014 est.)

Total fertility rate

3.22 children born/woman (2014 est.)

Urbanization

71.8% of total population (2011) 2.03% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

2.03% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

71.8% of total population (2011)

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

Capital

Majuro 7 06 N, 171 23 E UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

geographic coordinates

7 06 N, 171 23 E

name

Majuro

time difference

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

Constitution

effective 1 May 1979; amended several times, last in 1990 (2005)

Country name

Republic of the Marshall Islands Marshall Islands Republic of the Marshall Islands Marshall Islands RMI Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Marshall Islands District

abbreviation

RMI

conventional long form

Republic of the Marshall Islands

conventional short form

Marshall Islands

former

Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Marshall Islands District

local long form

Republic of the Marshall Islands

local short form

Marshall Islands

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Thomas H. ARMBRUSTER (since 16 August 2012) Oceanside, Mejen Weto, Long Island, Majuro P. O. Box 1379, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands 96960-1379 [692] 247-4011 [692] 247-4012

chief of mission

Ambassador Thomas H. ARMBRUSTER (since 16 August 2012)

embassy

Oceanside, Mejen Weto, Long Island, Majuro

FAX

[692] 247-4012

mailing address

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

telephone

[692] 247-4011

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Charles R. PAUL (since 6 September 2011) 2433 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 234-5414 [1] (202) 232-3236 Honolulu, Springdale (AR)

chancery

2433 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

chief of mission

Ambassador Charles R. PAUL (since 6 September 2011)

consulate(s) general

Honolulu, Springdale (AR)

FAX

[1] (202) 232-3236

telephone

[1] (202) 234-5414

Executive branch

President Christopher J. LOEAK (since 17 January 2012); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government President Christopher J. LOEAK (since 17 January 2012) Cabinet selected by the president from among the members of the legislature 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) Christopher J. LOEAK elected president; Nitijela vote - NA

cabinet

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

chief of state

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

election results

Christopher J. LOEAK elected president; Nitijela vote - NA

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)

head of government

President Christopher J. LOEAK (since 17 January 2012)

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

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

Independence

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

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

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

Judicial branch

Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and other judges as prescribed by law) 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 High Court; District Courts; Traditional Rights Court; Community Courts

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

Legal system

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

Legislative branch

unicameral legislature or Nitijela (33 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) last held on 21 November 2011 (next to be held by November 2015) percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - independents 33 the Council of Chiefs or Ironij is a 12-member body comprised of tribal chiefs that advises on matters affecting customary law and practice

election results

percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - independents 33

elections

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

National anthem

"Forever Marshall Islands" Amata KABUA adopted 1981

lyrics/music

Amata KABUA

name

"Forever Marshall Islands"

National holiday

Constitution Day, 1 May (1979)

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

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

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

Budget

$105.4 million $104.7 million (FY09 est.)

expenditures

$104.7 million (FY09 est.)

revenues

$105.4 million

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

0.4% of GDP (FY09 est.)

Debt - external

$87 million (2008 est.) $86.5 million (FY99/00 est.)

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.

Exchange rates

the US dollar is used

Exports

$50.14 million (2011 est.) $9.1 million (2000 est.)

Exports - commodities

copra cake, coconut oil, handicrafts, fish

Fiscal year

1 October - 30 September

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

14.3% 13.9% 71.8% (2011 est.)

agriculture

14.3%

industry

13.9%

services

71.8% (2011 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$8,700 (2013 est.) $8,700 (2012 est.) $8,800 (2011 est.) data are in 2013 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

2.3% (2013 est.) 1.9% (2012 est.) 0.8% (2011 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$193 million (2013 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$486 million (2013 est.) $475.4 million (2012 est.) $467.2 million (2011 est.) data are in 2013 US dollars

Household income or consumption by percentage share

NA% NA%

highest 10%

NA%

lowest 10%

NA%

Imports

$118.7 million (2011 est.) $54.7 million (2000 est.)

Imports - commodities

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, fuels, beverages, tobacco

Industrial production growth rate

NA%

Industries

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

12.9% (2008 est.) 3% (2005 est.)

Labor force

10,480 (2011 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

11% 16.3% 72.7% (2011 est.)

agriculture

11%

industry

16.3%

services

72.7% (2011 est.)

Population below poverty line

NA%

Taxes and other revenues

54.6% of GDP (FY09 est.)

Unemployment rate

36% (2006 est.) 30.9% (2000 est.)

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)

Internet users

2,200 (2009)

Telephone system

digital switching equipment; modern services include telex, cellular, Internet, international calling, caller ID, and leased data circuits 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 country code - 692; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean); US Government satellite communications system on Kwajalein (2005)

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

general assessment

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

international

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

Telephones - main lines in use

4,400 (2010)

Telephones - mobile cellular

3,800 (2010)

Airports

15 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

3

914 to 1,523 m

1 (2013)

total

4

Airports - with unpaved runways

1 (2013)

914 to 1,523 m

10

total

11

Merchant marine

1,593 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 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)

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)

total

1,593

Ports and terminals

Enitwetak Island, Kwajalein, Majuro

major seaport(s)

Enitwetak Island, Kwajalein, Majuro

Roadways

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

total

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

Manpower available for military service

16,446 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

16,446 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service

13,568 13,606 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

13,606 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

13,568

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

631 (2010 est.)

female

631 (2010 est.)

male

653

Military - note

defense is the responsibility of the US

Military branches

no regular military forces; Marshall Islands Police (2012)

Disputes - international

claims US territory of Wake Island

Trafficking in persons

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 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)

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)