Marshall Islands

A Pacific Island Nation Bridging Tradition, Nuclear Legacy, and Strategic Diplomacy

The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is a Micronesian island nation in the central Pacific Ocean, comprising 29 atolls and 5 isolated islands. Known for its strategic ties with the United States, its unique atoll geography, and its tragic history with nuclear testing, the country today is a strong advocate for climate justice, ocean preservation, and Pacific unity.

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Formation and Historical Background

• Originally settled by Micronesian seafarers more than 2,000 years ago.

• Colonized by Germany (1885), later administered by Japan, and then the United States after World War II.

• Gained full independence on October 21, 1986, under the Compact of Free Association with the U.S.

• The Bikini and Enewetak Atolls were used for U.S. nuclear tests (1946–1958).

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Administrative Information

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Religious Affiliation (Estimated)

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Government and Leadership

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Administrative Divisions (Atolls and Islands)

The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is administratively composed of 34 islands and atolls, which are divided into two parallel chains:

1. Ratak Chain (“Sunrise” chain – eastern side)

This chain contains the capital and most populous areas. Islands/atolls in this chain include:

• Majuro (Capital; administrative and economic hub)

• Arno

• Aur

• Ailuk

• Likiep

• Maloelap

• Mili

• Mejit (single island, not an atoll)

• Wotje

• Wotho

• Erikub (mostly uninhabited)

• Jemo (uninhabited)

• Knox (Bokak) (nature reserve; uninhabited)

• Lib (sparsely populated)

Majuro Atoll houses the seat of government, international airport, and majority of the population.

2. Ralik Chain (“Sunset” chain – western side)

This chain is home to some of the historically significant atolls affected by U.S. nuclear testing:

• Kwajalein (includes Ebeye – second largest urban center; also hosts U.S. military base)

• Ebon

• Ailinglaplap

• Jaluit (former colonial capital)

• Namdrik

• Namu

• Lae

• Ujae

• Kili (relocated Bikini Islanders)

• Bikini (nuclear test site; uninhabited)

• Enewetak (nuclear test site; partially resettled)

• Rongelap (partially resettled after evacuation)

• Ujelang (largely abandoned)

Kwajalein Atoll is notable for hosting the U.S. Army Garrison–Kwajalein Atoll (USAG-KA), and Ebeye Island faces urban congestion and infrastructure challenges.

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Each of these inhabited atolls/islands is governed by an Island Council and led by an elected Mayor, operating with semi-autonomy under the national government in Majuro.

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Local Government Structure

• Each inhabited atoll/island has its own elected mayor and council.

• The national government operates in Majuro, with additional facilities in Ebeye (Kwajalein).

• Traditional chiefs (Iroij) retain cultural authority alongside formal governance structures.

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Leadership & Governance

Kiribati’s leadership emphasizes:

• Climate resilience and international environmental diplomacy

• Advocacy for nuclear compensation and justice for affected atolls

• Gender equality, education access, and youth empowerment

• Strong ties with the United States, Taiwan, and Pacific regional blocs

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Law Enforcement & Safety

• Marshall Islands Police operate at both national and local levels.

• Kwajalein Atoll hosts a U.S. military installation, providing additional security.

• Crime rates remain low, with occasional social issues related to urban crowding in Ebeye.

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Economy & Industry

• Key Economic Areas:

  • U.S. financial assistance (under Compact of Free Association)

  • Fishing license revenues

  • Agriculture (coconuts, breadfruit)

  • Handicrafts and copra exports

• GDP (2023): Approx. USD 280 million

• Reliant on imports and external aid

• Growth areas:

  • Tourism (limited but promising)

  • Renewables and digital economy

  • Blue economy and marine resource governance

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Education & Institutions

• Primary and secondary education is free and compulsory

• Higher education:

  • College of the Marshall Islands (CMI)

  • University of the South Pacific Majuro Campus

• Challenges:

  • Urban overcrowding in Majuro and Ebeye schools

  • Teacher shortages and curriculum development gaps

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Healthcare

• Main Hospital: Majuro Hospital

• Clinics available on major atolls

• Health issues:

  • Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes

  • Radiation-related illnesses in former test sites

  • Limited specialized care and heavy reliance on medical referrals abroad

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Transport & Connectivity

• Airports:

  • Amata Kabua International Airport (Majuro)

  • Bucholz Army Airfield (Kwajalein – U.S. military)

  • Domestic airstrips in several outer atolls

• Shipping: Inter-island ferries and cargo vessels

• Roads: Paved in Majuro and Ebeye; limited elsewhere

• Internet:

  • Fiber-optic connectivity expanding

  • Costly and less stable in outer islands

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Tourism & Attractions

Natural Attractions:

• Bikini Atoll – UNESCO World Heritage Site (nuclear and marine history)

• Laura Beach (Majuro) – white sand, snorkelling

• Scuba diving – coral reefs, shipwrecks

Cultural Highlights:

• Traditional weaving, navigation, and dance

• Storytelling and Iroij ceremonies

Tourism status: Undeveloped sector, high potential in eco-tourism and heritage travel

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Culture & Lifestyle

• Ethnicity: Primarily Marshallese (Micronesian)

• Languages:

  • Marshallese – widely spoken

  • English – used in education, administration

• Cuisine: Breadfruit, fish, coconut dishes, pandanus, rice

• Strong sense of family, clan ties, and community reciprocity

• Traditional leadership and customary land tenure still influential

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Summary

The Marshall Islands is a resilient Pacific nation balancing tradition, modernity, and the legacy of nuclear testing. With critical ties to the United States, emerging climate diplomacy, and aspirations for a sustainable future, RMI stands as a powerful voice for small island nations confronting the global climate crisis.