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The Republic of the Marshall Islands are an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, located north of Nauru and Kiribati, east of the Federated States of Micronesia and south of the American island of Wake.
History
Main article: History of the
Marshall Islands
While settled by Micronesians in the 2nd millennium BC, little is known of the early history of the islands. Spanish explorer Alonso de Salazar was the first European to sight the
Marshalls, but the islands remained virtually unvisited for several more centuries, before being visited by English captain John Marshall in
1788; the islands owe their name to him.
A German trading company settled on the islands in 1885, and they became part of the protectorate of German New Guinea some years later. Japan conquered the islands in World War I, and administered them
as a League of Nations mandate.
In World War II, the United States invaded the islands (1944), and they were added to the
Trust Territory of the
Pacific Islands. The US started conducting nuclear tests on the
islands immediately after the war, continuing until the 1960s. Many Marshallese suffered
from high radiation levels because of this, and compensation claims still
continue to this day.
In 1979 the Republic of the Marshall Islands was established and a Compact of Free
Association with the American government was signed, becoming effective in 1986.
Politics
Main article: Politics of the
Marshall Islands
The Marshallese president is both head of state and head of government. The president, who is elected by and from the members
of the Nitijela (parliament), appoints his own cabinet.
Elections for the parliament, which has 33 seats, are held every four years.
Municipalities
Main article: Municipalities of the Marshall Islands
The Marshall Islands are divided into 24 legislative districts, which correspond to the inhabited islands and atolls of the
country. See #Geography.
Geography
Main article: Geography of the
Marshall Islands
The country consists of 29 atolls and 5 isolated islands.. The most important atolls
and islands form two groups: the Ratak Chain and the Ralik Chain (meaning "sunrise" and "sunset" chains). Two-thirds of the nation's
population lives on Majuro (which is also the capital) and Ebeye. The outer islands are sparsely populated due to lack of
employment opportunities and economic development.
The climate is hot and humid, with a wet season from May to November. The islands occasionally suffer from typhoons.
- Ailinginae Atoll
(uninhabited)
- Ailinglaplap Atoll (legislative district)
- Ailuk Atoll (legislative
district)
- Arno (legislative district)
- Aur Atoll (legislative
district)
- Bikar Atoll (or Bikaar;
uninhabited)
- Bikini Atoll
- Bokak Atoll (uninhabited)
- Ebon Atoll (legislative
district)
- Enewetak Atoll (legislative district)
- Erikub Atoll
(uninhabited)
- Jabat Island (legislative
district)
- Jaluit Atoll (legislative district)
- Jemo Island (uninhabited)
- Kili Island (legislative
district)
- Kwajalein Atoll (legislative district)
- Lae Atoll (legislative
district)
- Lib Island (legislative
district)
- Likiep Atoll (legislative
district)
- Majuro Atoll (legislative district)
- Maloelap Atoll (legislative district)
- Mejit Island (legislative
district)
- Mili Atoll (legislative district)
- Nadikdik Atoll (or Knox;
uninhabited)
- Namorik Atoll (or Namdrik;
legislative district )
- Namu Atoll (legislative
district)
- Rongelap Atoll
(legislative district)
- Rongrik Atoll
(uninhabited)
- Toke Atoll (uninhabited)
- Ujae Atoll (legislative
district)
- Ujelang Atoll
(uninhabited)
- Utirik Atoll (or Utrik;
legislative district)
- Wotho Atoll (legislative
district)
- Wotje Atoll (legislative district)
Economy
Main article: Economy of the
Marshall Islands
United States Government assistance is the mainstay of this tiny
island economy. Agricultural production is concentrated on small farms, and the most important commercial crops are coconuts, tomatoes, melons, and breadfruit. Small-scale industry is limited to
handicrafts, fish processing, and copra. The tourist industry, now a small source of
foreign exchange employing less than 10% of the labor force, remains the best hope for future added income. The islands have few
natural resources, and imports far exceed exports. Under the terms of the Compact of Free
Association, the US provides roughly $65 million in annual aid. Negotiations were underway in 1999 for an extended agreement.
Government downsizing, drought, a drop in construction, and the decline in tourism and foreign investment due to the Asian
financial difficulties caused GDP to fall in 1996-98.
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of the Marshall Islands
The Marshallese are of Micronesian origin, who migrated from Asia several
thousand years ago. Although English is an official language and is
spoken widely, Marshallese is used by the government.
Virtually all Marshallese are Christian, most of them Protestant.
Culture
Main article: Culture of the Marshall Islands
Although now in decline, the Marshallese were once able navigators, using the stars and primitive stick and shell charts. They
are also experienced in canoe building,
Miscellaneous topics
- Communications in the
Marshall Islands
- Transportation in the
Marshall Islands
- Military of the Marshall
Islands
- Foreign relations
of the Marshall Islands
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