2017 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 Reagan Missile Test Site, a key installation in the US missile defense network. Kwajalein also hosts one of four dedicated ground antennas (the others are on Ascension (Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha), Diego Garcia (British Indian Ocean Territory), and at Cape Canaveral, Florida (US)) that assist in the operation of the Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation system.

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

land

181 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

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

2 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: East-central Airik Island, Maloelap Atoll 14 m

elevation extremes

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point

East-central Airik Island, Maloelap Atoll 14 m

mean elevation

2 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 (2012)

Land boundaries

0 km

Land use

50.7% arable land 7.8%; permanent crops 31.2%; permanent pasture 11.7% 49.3% 0% (2011 est.)

agricultural land

50.7%

forest

49.3%

other

0% (2011 est.)

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 halfway 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

Population - distribution

most people live in urban clusters found on many of the country's islands; more than two-thirds of the population lives on the atolls of Majuro and Ebeye

Terrain

low coral limestone and sand islands

Age structure

34.89% (male 13,261/female 12,743) 18% (male 6,820/female 6,594) 37.28% (male 14,147/female 13,642) 5.82% (male 2,189/female 2,148) 4.02% (male 1,475/female 1,520) (2017 est.)

0-14 years

34.89% (male 13,261/female 12,743)

15-24 years

18% (male 6,820/female 6,594)

25-54 years

37.28% (male 14,147/female 13,642)

55-64 years

5.82% (male 2,189/female 2,148)

65 years and over

4.02% (male 1,475/female 1,520) (2017 est.)

Birth rate

24.4 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

44.6% (2007)

Death rate

4.2 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Drinking water source

urban: 93.5% of population rural: 97.6% of population total: 94.6% of population urban: 6.5% of population rural: 2.4% of population total: 5.4% of population (2015 est.)

rural

2.4% of population

total

5.4% of population (2015 est.)

urban

6.5% of population

Ethnic groups

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

Health expenditures

17.1% of GDP (2014)

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

19.3 deaths/1,000 live births 21.8 deaths/1,000 live births 16.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

female

16.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

male

21.8 deaths/1,000 live births

total

19.3 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

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

note

English (official), widely spoken as a second language

Life expectancy at birth

73.4 years 71.2 years 75.7 years (2017 est.)

female

75.7 years (2017 est.)

male

71.2 years

total population

73.4 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 98.3% 98.3% 98.2% (2011 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

98.2% (2011 est.)

male

98.3%

total population

98.3%

Major infectious diseases

active local transmission of Zika virus by Aedes species mosquitoes has been identified in this country (as of August 2016); it poses an important risk (a large number of cases possible) among US citizens if bitten by an infective mosquito; other less common ways to get Zika are through sex, via blood transfusion, or during pregnancy, in which the pregnant woman passes Zika virus to her fetus (2016)

note

active local transmission of Zika virus by Aedes species mosquitoes has been identified in this country (as of August 2016); it poses an important risk (a large number of cases possible) among US citizens if bitten by an infective mosquito; other less common ways to get Zika are through sex, via blood transfusion, or during pregnancy, in which the pregnant woman passes Zika virus to her fetus (2016)

Major urban areas - population

MAJURO (capital) 31,000 (2014)

Median age

22.9 years 22.8 years 23 years (2017 est.)

female

23 years (2017 est.)

male

22.8 years

total

22.9 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

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

note

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

-4.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

52.9% (2016)

Physicians density

0.46 physicians/1,000 population (2012)

Population

74,539 (July 2017 est.)

Population distribution

most people live in urban clusters found on many of the country's islands; more than two-thirds of the population lives on the atolls of Majuro and Ebeye

Population growth rate

1.55% (2017 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: 84.5% of population rural: 56.2% of population total: 76.9% of population urban: 15.5% of population rural: 43.8% of population total: 23.1% of population (2015 est.)

rural

43.8% of population

total

23.1% of population (2015 est.)

urban

15.5% of population

Sex ratio

1.05 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 1.03 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 0.97 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

0-14 years

1.04 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.03 male(s)/female

25-54 years

1.04 male(s)/female

55-64 years

1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.97 male(s)/female

at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

total population

1.04 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

3.03 children born/woman (2017 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

11% 12.2% 8.7% (2010 est.)

female

8.7% (2010 est.)

male

12.2%

total

11%

Urbanization

73.2% of total population (2017) 1.07% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

rate of urbanization

1.07% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

urban population

73.2% of total population (2017)

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; note - the capital is an atoll of 64 islands; governmental buildings are housed on three fused islands: Djarrit, Uliga, and Delap 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; note - the capital is an atoll of 64 islands; governmental buildings are housed on three fused islands: Djarrit, Uliga, and Delap

time difference

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

Citizenship

no at least one parent must be a citizen of the Marshall Islands no 5 years

citizenship by birth

no

citizenship by descent only

at least one parent must be a citizen of the Marshall Islands

dual citizenship recognized

no

residency requirement for naturalization

5 years

Constitution

effective 1 May 1979; amended several times, last in 1995 (2016)

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 named after British Captain John MARSHALL, who charted many of the islands in 1788

abbreviation

RMI

conventional long form

Republic of the Marshall Islands

conventional short form

Marshall Islands

etymology

named after British Captain John MARSHALL, who charted many of the islands in 1788

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 Karen Brevard STEWART (since 25July 2016) 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 Karen Brevard STEWART (since 25July 2016)

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 Gerald M. ZACKIOS (since 16 September 2016) 2433 Massachusetts Avenue NW, 1st Floor, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 234-5414 [1] (202) 232-3236 Honolulu, Springdale (AR) Agana (Guam)

chancery

2433 Massachusetts Avenue NW, 1st Floor, Washington, DC 20008

chief of mission

Ambassador Gerald M. ZACKIOS (since 16 September 2016)

consulate(s)

Agana (Guam)

consulate(s) general

Honolulu, Springdale (AR)

FAX

[1] (202) 232-3236

telephone

[1] (202) 234-5414

Executive branch

President Hilda C. HEINE (since 28 January 2016); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government President Hilda C. HEINE (since 28 January 2016) Cabinet nominated by the president from among members of the Nitijela, appointed by Nitijela speaker president indirectly elected by the Nitijela from among its members for a 4-year term (no term limits); election last held on 27 January 2016 (next to be held in 2020) Hilda C. HEINE elected president on 27 January 2016; Parliament vote - Hilda C. HEINE 24, she was the only candidate Hilda C. HEINE is the first female elected head of state of any Pacific island nation

cabinet

Cabinet nominated by the president from among members of the Nitijela, appointed by Nitijela speaker

chief of state

President Hilda C. HEINE (since 28 January 2016); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

election results

Hilda C. HEINE elected president on 27 January 2016; Parliament vote - Hilda C. HEINE 24, she was the only candidate

elections/appointments

president indirectly elected by the Nitijela from among its members for a 4-year term (no term limits); election last held on 27 January 2016 (next to be held in 2020)

head of government

President Hilda C. HEINE (since 28 January 2016)

note

Hilda C. HEINE is the first female elected head of state of any Pacific island nation

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

presidential republic in free association with the US

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, ICCt, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, 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

bicameral legislature consists of the Council of Iroij (12 seats; consists of tribal chiefs chosen by holders of the chieftainship among the constituent islands) and the National Parliament or Nitijela (33 seats; members directly elected by simple majority vote to serve 4-year terms); note - the Council of Iroij advises the Presidential Cabinet and reviews legislation affecting customary law or any traditional practice) last held on 16 November 2015 (next to be held by November 2019) percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - independent 33

description

bicameral legislature consists of the Council of Iroij (12 seats; consists of tribal chiefs chosen by holders of the chieftainship among the constituent islands) and the National Parliament or Nitijela (33 seats; members directly elected by simple majority vote to serve 4-year terms); note - the Council of Iroij advises the Presidential Cabinet and reviews legislation affecting customary law or any traditional practice)

election results

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

elections

last held on 16 November 2015 (next to be held by November 2019)

National anthem

"Forever Marshall Islands" Amata KABUA adopted 1981

lyrics/music

Amata KABUA

name

"Forever Marshall Islands"

note

adopted 1981

National holiday

Constitution Day, 1 May (1979)

National symbol(s)

a 24-rayed star; national colors: blue, white, orange

a 24-rayed star; national colors

blue, white, orange

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

$116.7 million $113.9 million (2013 est.)

expenditures

$113.9 million (2013 est.)

revenues

$116.7 million

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

1.5% of GDP (2013 est.)

Current account balance

$17 million (2016 est.) $26.62 million (2015 est.)

Debt - external

$97.96 million (2013 est.) $87 million (2008 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. 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. The Marshall Islands received roughly $1 billion in aid from the US during the period 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, 2004 to 2024. Under the amended Compact, the Marshall Islands will receive roughly $1.5 billion in direct US assistance. Under the amended Compact, the US and Marshall Islands are also jointly funding a Trust Fund for the people of the Marshall Islands that will provide an income stream beyond 2024, when direct Compact aid ends.

Exchange rates

the US dollar is used

Exports

$53.7 million (2013 est.) $47.21 million (2015 est.)

Exports - commodities

copra cake, coconut oil, handicrafts, fish

Fiscal year

1 October - 30 September

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

4.4% 9.9% 85.7% (2013 est.)

agriculture

4.4%

industry

9.9%

services

85.7% (2013 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$3,400 (2016 est.) $3,300 (2015 est.) $3,200 (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars

note

data are in 2016 dollars

GDP - real growth rate

2% (2016 est.) 1.9% (2015 est.) -0.4% (2014 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$194 million (2016 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$182 million (2016 est.) $177 million (2015 est.) $171 million (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars

note

data are in 2016 dollars

Household income or consumption by percentage share

NA% NA%

highest 10%

NA%

lowest 10%

NA%

Imports

$133.7 million (2013 est.) $120.9 million (2015 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)

-1.5% (2016 est.) -2.2% (2015 est.)

Labor force

10,670 (2013 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%

Public debt

32.2% of GDP (2016 est.) 34.7% of GDP (2015 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

63.8% of GDP (2013 est.)

Unemployment rate

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

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

300,000 Mt (2013 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Crude oil - production

0 bbl/day (2016 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2017 es)

Electricity - consumption

576.6 million kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2016 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

80.8% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

19.2% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2016 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

52,000 kW (2015 est.)

Electricity - production

620 million kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity access

30,084 59% 65% 45% (2012)

electrification - rural areas

45% (2012)

electrification - total population

59%

electrification - urban areas

65%

population without electricity

30,084

Refined petroleum products - consumption

2,000 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

0 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

2,060 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

0 bbl/day (2014 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 users

21,857 29.8% (July 2016 est.)

percent of population

29.8% (July 2016 est.)

total

21,857

Telephone system

some telecom infrastructure improvements made in recent years; 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 (2016)

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

some telecom infrastructure improvements made in recent years; 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 (2016)

Telephones - fixed lines

2,361 3 (July 2016 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

3 (July 2016 est.)

total subscriptions

2,361

Telephones - mobile cellular

16,000 21 (July 2016 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

21 (July 2016 est.)

total

16,000

Airports

15 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2017)

1,524 to 2,437 m

3

914 to 1,523 m

1 (2017)

total

4

Airports - with unpaved runways

1 (2013)

914 to 1,523 m

10

total

11

under 914 m

1 (2013)

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

V7 (2016)

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 1,465 (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)

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

1,465 (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

National air transport system

86,868 0 mt-km (2015)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers

0 mt-km (2015)

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers

86,868

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers

1

number of registered air carriers

1

Ports and terminals

Enitwetak Island, Kwajalein, Majuro

major seaport(s)

Enitwetak Island, Kwajalein, Majuro

Roadways

2,028 km 75 km roads are mostly unimproved (2007)

note

roads are mostly unimproved (2007)

paved

75 km

total

2,028 km

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 is a source and destination country for Marshallese women and girls and women from East Asia subjected to sex trafficking; Marshallese and foreign women are forced into prostitution in businesses frequented by crew members of fishing and transshipping vessels that dock in Majuro; some Chinese women are recruited to the Marshall Islands with promises of legitimate work and are subsequently forced into prostitution Tier 3 – The Marshall Islands do not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government made no anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts, including developing a written plan to combat trafficking; no new trafficking investigations were opened in 2014, and no prosecutions or convictions were made for the fourth consecutive year; no efforts were made to identify trafficking victims, especially among women in prostitution or men working on foreign fishing vessels in Marshallese waters, and no attempt was made to ensure their access to protective services; limited awareness-raising events were conducted by an international organization (2015)

current situation

The Marshall Islands is a source and destination country for Marshallese women and girls and women from East Asia subjected to sex trafficking; Marshallese and foreign women are forced into prostitution in businesses frequented by crew members of fishing and transshipping vessels that dock in Majuro; some Chinese women are recruited to the Marshall Islands with promises of legitimate work and are subsequently forced into prostitution

tier rating

Tier 3 – The Marshall Islands do not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government made no anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts, including developing a written plan to combat trafficking; no new trafficking investigations were opened in 2014, and no prosecutions or convictions were made for the fourth consecutive year; no efforts were made to identify trafficking victims, especially among women in prostitution or men working on foreign fishing vessels in Marshallese waters, and no attempt was made to ensure their access to protective services; limited awareness-raising events were conducted by an international organization (2015)