Marshall Islands Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated April 25, 2020

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.