Where is Marshall Islands Located?
Where is Marshall Islands located on the map? Marshall Islands is an independent nation located in Micronesia. Check out the following images to see location of Marshall Islands on maps.
Marshall Islands Location in World Map”. On this map you can see the location of the Marshall Islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
You probably haven’t heard of the Marshall Islands. But you may know a small island, or rather an atoll, by name: the Bikini Atoll. Because that’s part of the Marshall Islands. The bikini got its name from this island.
The Marshall Islands belong to the Micronesia archipelago. They are located in the western Pacific Ocean. There are more than 1200 islands spread over an area of 2.1 million square kilometers. The island nation of Kiribati borders the Marshall Islands in the south and the Federated States of Micronesia in the southwest. In the northeast and east nothing borders on the Marshall Islands – here it goes into the vastness of the Pacific Ocean.
The islands are called Aolepān Aorōkin M̧ajeļ in Marshallese.
The land area of the five larger islands and 29 coral atolls plus the tiny islets is 184.4 square kilometers. That is roughly the size of the North Sea islands of Sylt and Föhr put together. So pretty small.
A distinction can be made between two island chains: the eastern Ratak chain, which is also known as the sunrise islands, and the western Ralik chain, the sunset islands.
On this map you can see the location of the two important chains, the Ratak and Ralik chains. Find the famous Bikini Atoll!
Location Information of the Marshall Islands
Latitude and Longitude
The Marshall Islands are located in the central Pacific Ocean, just north of the equator. The islands are positioned at approximately 7.1315° N latitude and 171.1847° E longitude. The archipelago lies about 2,100 miles (3,380 kilometers) west of Hawaii and 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) east of the Philippines, making it one of the most isolated nations on Earth.
The country consists of 29 atolls and 5 islands, with more than 1,000 individual islands scattered across the ocean, forming a vast area of around 750,000 square miles (1.95 million square kilometers) of ocean, though the land area is only about 70 square miles (181 square kilometers).
Capital City and Major Cities
Capital City: Majuro
The capital city of the Marshall Islands is Majuro, which is located on a large atoll of the same name. Majuro is the largest city and the political, economic, and cultural hub of the country. It is situated on the western side of the Majuro Atoll, which consists of more than 60 islands. The city has a population of around 27,000 people and is home to the government offices, most of the nation’s businesses, and the international airport. Majuro serves as the focal point for commerce, communication, and transportation in the country.
Major Cities
- Ebeye: Located on Kwajalein Atoll, Ebeye is the second-largest urban area in the Marshall Islands. It is primarily a residential area for U.S. military personnel and local workers. The population is around 15,000, and it has basic infrastructure such as schools and markets, though it faces challenges due to its small size and high population density.
- Kwajalein: Kwajalein is a part of the Kwajalein Atoll, the largest atoll in the Marshall Islands. Kwajalein Island hosts a U.S. military base used for missile testing and satellite tracking. The island’s population is mostly military personnel, making it one of the most strategic U.S. military installations in the Pacific.
- Jabat: Situated in the Ralik Chain of the Marshall Islands, Jabat Island is small but notable as a residential and agricultural area. Its population is small, with a significant portion living off subsistence farming.
- Wotje: Located on Wotje Atoll in the northern part of the country, Wotje Island is one of the larger atoll-based communities. The island’s economy revolves around fishing, and it has limited infrastructure.
Time Zone
The Marshall Islands follows Marshall Islands Time (MIST), which is UTC +12:00. The country does not observe daylight saving time, and the time remains consistent throughout the year. This time zone places the Marshall Islands one hour ahead of neighboring countries like Fiji and New Zealand.
Climate
The climate of the Marshall Islands is classified as tropical with relatively consistent warm temperatures throughout the year. Being located just above the equator, the islands experience distinct wet and dry seasons, though the temperature variations are minimal.
- Temperature: Average temperatures in the Marshall Islands hover between 78°F to 88°F (26°C to 31°C) year-round. The humidity is high, particularly in the rainy season, which makes the air feel warmer. However, trade winds provide some relief, especially along the coastal areas.
- Rainy Season: The wet season lasts from May to November, with the heaviest rainfall occurring from July to October. This period also coincides with the Pacific typhoon season, though the Marshall Islands are located just outside the most dangerous cyclone zones.
- Dry Season: The dry season, from December to April, typically sees less rainfall and more sunshine, making it the most popular time for tourism. While there can still be showers, they are usually brief and followed by sunny weather.
- Cyclones and Storms: The Marshall Islands occasionally experience tropical storms and typhoons, though these are less frequent than in areas further west in the Pacific. Storm surges and high winds can pose risks to the islands’ infrastructure, especially on the low-lying atolls.
Economic Status
The economy of the Marshall Islands is small and heavily reliant on external aid, especially from the United States, due to the nation’s small size, limited resources, and geographic isolation. The economy is based primarily on subsistence agriculture, fishing, and international aid, with an increasing focus on tourism in recent years.
1. U.S. Assistance and Compact of Free Association
A significant portion of the Marshall Islands’ revenue comes from the Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the United States. This agreement, first signed in 1986 and extended in 2003, provides the country with substantial financial assistance in exchange for U.S. military and strategic rights in the region. The financial support includes aid for infrastructure, health, education, and social services, along with subsidies for basic services like electricity and water.
2. Fishing
Fishing, particularly tuna fishing, is a major industry in the Marshall Islands. The country is home to some of the richest tuna fishing waters in the world, and the tuna industry is a key contributor to government revenue. The Marshall Islands government has negotiated fishing rights agreements with various nations and commercial fishing fleets, generating income through licensing and fees. However, overfishing is a concern, and the sustainability of the fishery is an ongoing challenge.
3. Agriculture
Agriculture in the Marshall Islands is limited by the small size and poor soil quality of the islands. Crops grown in the country include coconuts, breadfruit, pandanus, and taro, though agricultural production is insufficient to meet the country’s needs. The Marshall Islands imports most of its food from other countries.
4. Tourism
Tourism is a growing sector, though it remains small due to the country’s remoteness and limited infrastructure. The Marshall Islands are known for their beautiful coral reefs, world-class diving opportunities, and pristine beaches. Visitors can also explore historic World War II sites, especially on Kwajalein Atoll. However, tourism is constrained by limited international flights, a small airport capacity, and the country’s geographic isolation.
Tourist Attractions
The Marshall Islands offer a variety of attractions, particularly for visitors interested in nature, history, and diving.
1. Kwajalein Atoll
Kwajalein is the largest atoll in the Marshall Islands and one of the largest in the world. Visitors to Kwajalein can explore its historical significance, especially its role in World War II. The atoll is also known for its excellent scuba diving sites, clear waters, and diverse marine life. The U.S. military’s missile testing and satellite tracking activities also attract visitors with an interest in space exploration.
2. Majuro Atoll
The capital city, Majuro, is surrounded by an expansive lagoon and numerous small islands, providing excellent opportunities for boating, snorkeling, and diving. Visitors can explore the lush green islands, enjoy the pristine beaches, or visit Arno Atoll for a more remote experience.
3. Bikini Atoll
Bikini Atoll is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its role in nuclear testing by the United States during the 1940s and 1950s. The atoll is now a popular site for divers, who can explore sunken ships, including several WWII vessels, which are now part of the underwater museum. While Bikini Atoll remains uninhabited due to radiation concerns, it offers a fascinating glimpse into history and has become a unique dive destination.
4. Wotje Atoll
Wotje Atoll, located in the northern part of the Marshall Islands, is known for its picturesque setting and its significance to local Marshallese culture. The atoll is home to a small population, and visitors can experience the island’s laid-back atmosphere, tropical beauty, and rich traditions.
5. Mili Atoll
Mili Atoll is a more remote destination, but it is known for its stunning beauty, white sandy beaches, and clear blue waters. It is an excellent spot for visitors seeking solitude and a more traditional island experience.
Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens do not require a visa to visit the Marshall Islands for stays of up to 90 days. Travelers need only a valid passport, and upon arrival, U.S. citizens will be allowed to stay for up to three months for tourism or business purposes. However, as the Marshall Islands is a compact of free association with the United States, U.S. citizens do not need a visa to reside, work, or study in the country.
Distance to New York City and Los Angeles
Distance to New York City
The distance from New York City to Majuro, the capital of the Marshall Islands, is approximately 6,700 miles (10,800 kilometers). Most flights require at least one or two stopovers, typically in places like Hawaii or other Pacific islands, due to the limited number of direct flights to Majuro.
Distance to Los Angeles
The distance from Los Angeles to Majuro is approximately 5,300 miles (8,500 kilometers). Like flights from New York, direct flights are limited, and travelers typically need to transit through hubs such as Hawaii or Guam before reaching the Marshall Islands.
Marshall Islands Facts
| Size | 181 km² |
| Residents | 70,000 |
| Languages | Marshallese and English |
| Capital | Majuro |
| Longest river | – |
| Highest mountain | Highest point 10 meters above sea level |
| Currency | U.S. dollar |
