Marshall Islands, state of the western Pacific; 181 km2, 58,000 residents (2019).The Marshall Islands consist of about 30 coral atolls with a total of over 1,000 islands, divided into two groups (Ratak in the east and Ralik in the west) spread over about 1,300 km. The largest atoll is Kwajalein (the world’s largest coral atoll). The Marshall Islands economic and administrative center is made up of the three islands of Dalap, Uliga and Darrit, called DUD, all of which are part of the Majuro Atoll. The capital is Rita on the Majuro Atoll.
Country facts
- Republic of the Marshall Islands / Republic of the Marshall Islands
- Country abbreviation: MH
- Area: 181 km2
- Population (2019): 58,000 residents
- Capital: Rita
- Main language: English
- State: Republic
- Head of State and Head of Government: Hilda C. Heine (President)
- Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 3,621
- GNI per capita (2018): US $ 4,740
- Currency unit: US $ 1 = 100 cents
- Currency code: USD
- Country number (telephony): 692
- Internet domain name: mh
- Time difference compared to Sweden: +11
- National Day: May 1 (Independence Day, 1979)
Nature
- Land use: forest (22%), agricultural land (33%), other (45%)
- Highest mountain: unnamed elevation on the island of Likiep (10 m above sea level)
Population
- Population density (2019): 320 residents per km2
- Natural population growth (2019): 2.1%; birthrate 25 ‰, death count 4 ‰
- Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (39%), 15-64 (58%), 65- (3%)
- Life expectancy (2019): men 71 years, women 73 years
- Infant mortality (2019): 23 per 1,000 live births
- Population forecast 2050: 70,000 residents
- HDI (2017): 0.708 (place 106 of 189)
- Urbanization rate (2019): 77%
- Most populous urban area (2012): Rita (20,300 residents)
Business
- Industry’s contribution to GDP (2013): agriculture (4%), industry (10%), service (86%)
- Exports (2013): US $ 54 million
- Main export products: copra, coconuts, fish
- Main exporting countries: USA, Japan, Australia
- Imports (2013): US $ 134 million
- Main import products: food, machinery, fuel
- Main importing countries: USA, Japan, Australia
- Railway network: nothing in operation
The Marshall Islands consist of about 30 coral atolls divided into two groups, which are spread over about 1,300 km. The largest atoll is Kwajalein (the world’s largest coral atoll). The climate is characterized by the pass winds, which provide even annual precipitation and average temperature.
The constitution of the country, which was adopted in 1979, prescribes a parliamentary rule. Parliament has 33 members elected for four years. They elect among themselves the president of the republic, who appoints ministers, who must also be members of parliament. The country became independent in 1986.
The foundations of the Marshall Islands business community are service and agriculture for self-catering. Trade and hotel and restaurant operations are the most important activities in the monetary economy. Rents for the US rocket base on Kwajalein and international aid are also important sources of income. The highest point in the country is just ten meters above sea level, and the island state is therefore threatened by flooding if the water level rises.
Marshall Islands Map
