Marshall Islands

The Ocean Nation of Resilience and Heritage

The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is a sovereign island nation located near the equator in the central Pacific Ocean, part of the broader Micronesian region of Oceania. Comprising 29 coral atolls and 5 isolated islands, it is celebrated for its turquoise lagoons, vibrant marine biodiversity, and deeply rooted seafaring traditions. Despite its small landmass, the Marshall Islands play an outsized role in global climate advocacy and ocean stewardship.

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🏛️ Formation & Historical Background

For centuries, the Marshall Islands were inhabited by Micronesian navigators who mastered ocean voyaging using star maps and traditional canoes. European contact began in the 16th century, followed by periods of colonial control.

Key Historical Timeline:

• ~1000 BCE: Settlement by Austronesian-speaking Micronesian peoples

• 1526: First European sighting by Spanish explorers

• 1885: Claimed by the German Empire (part of German New Guinea)

• 1914: Occupied by Japan during World War I

• 1944: Captured by the United States during World War II (Battle of Kwajalein)

• 1947: Became part of the U.S. Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands under UN mandate

• 1946–1958: U.S. conducted 67 nuclear tests, including the Bikini and Enewetak atolls

• 1979 (May 1): Self-government established; Constitution adopted

• 1986: Independence under Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the United States

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🧭 Basic National Information

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⚖️ Government and Leadership

The Marshall Islands follows a democratic system with the President elected by members of parliament. Traditional chiefs (iroij) retain cultural influence in social and land affairs.

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🗺️ Administrative Structure

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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🌐 Geography & Environment

• Location: Central Pacific Ocean, near the equator, northeast of Kiribati

• Coordinates: Between 4° and 14°N latitude, 160° to 173°E longitude

• Composition: 29 coral atolls and 5 single islands (over 1,150 islets total)

• Major Atolls: Majuro, Kwajalein, Bikini, Jaluit, Ailuk, Rongelap

• Climate: Tropical marine – hot and humid, with a wet season (May–November)

• Natural Resources: Marine life, copra, fish, phosphate deposits (limited)

• Environmental Challenges: Rising sea levels, coral bleaching, freshwater scarcity

The islands rise barely two meters above sea level on average, making them highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The government has initiated relocation and adaptation projects to ensure survival and sovereignty.

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🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture

Marshallese culture centers on the ocean — the source of food, identity, and spirituality. Social life revolves around extended family systems (bwij) and land inheritance through maternal lineage.

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📈 Economy & Key Sectors

Fishing license fees and COFA grants form the backbone of the national budget, supplemented by the lucrative open ship registry and remittances.

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🎓 Education & Healthcare

Access to education and healthcare is concentrated in Majuro and Ebeye, with ongoing efforts to improve rural health services through telemedicine and NGO support.

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✈️ Transport & Infrastructure

Infrastructure development remains a national priority, with major investments in renewable energy and seawall protection projects.

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🏝️ Tourism & Attractions

Top Destinations:

• Majuro Atoll: Capital city, coral reefs, markets, and local handicrafts

• Bikini Atoll: UNESCO World Heritage Site (nuclear test history and diving site)

• Arno Atoll: Stunning lagoon and cultural experiences

• Kwajalein Atoll: Historical World War II relics

• Rongelap: Symbol of nuclear test legacy and recovery

Tourism in the Marshall Islands emphasizes eco-tourism, diving, and heritage preservation, attracting researchers and explorers worldwide.

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🌍 Global Role & Relations

The Marshall Islands is one of the world’s strongest voices for climate action and nuclear disarmament, leading global awareness campaigns at the UN.

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📝 Summary

The Marshall Islands stands as a beacon of survival, identity, and resilience in the vast Pacific Ocean. With its rich cultural legacy, environmental challenges, and unwavering spirit, it represents both the vulnerability and strength of island nations — reminding the world of shared responsibility for our planet’s oceans and future generations.

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📢 News & Articles

• “Bikini Atoll: From Nuclear Devastation to UNESCO Heritage”

• “The Rising Seas and the Future of the Marshall Islands”

• “Pacific Voices for Climate Justice: The RMI Story”

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🎯 Our Mission

Through the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, we aim to highlight the story of the Marshall Islands — a nation that speaks for the ocean, for history, and for humanity’s future.

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📬 Contact Us

For verified updates or contributions regarding the Marshall Islands, contact our editorial team to enhance this profile.