Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands consists of 29 atolls and 5 individual islands totaling about 1,225 islands and 870 reef systems scattered over 750,000 square miles of the Central Pacific.
After almost four decades under US administration as the easternmost part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the Marshall Islands attained independence in 1986 under a Compact of Free Association.
Compensation claims continue as a result of US nuclear testing on some of the islands between 1947 and 1962.

related countries: USA
geograhically relative close to: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines

Official Name:
Republic of the Marshall Islands
Local form: Aolepan Aorokin Majel
short form: Marshall Islands
abbreviation: RMI

ISO Country Code: mh

Time:
Local Time = UTC +12h

Country Calling Code: +692

Capital: Majuro (pop. 25 000).

Other Cities: Ebeye (12 000), Jaluit (1 700)

Government:
Type: Parliamentary democracy in free association with the USA.
Independence: 21 October 1986 from the U.S.-administered UN trusteeship.
Constitution: 1 May 1979.

Geography:
Location: Oceania, island chains of 29 low-lying coral atolls and 5 individual islands in the Western North Pacific Ocean.
Area: 81 sq. km. (about 70 sq. mi.) of land area scattered over 750 000 sq. mi. of the Western Pacific.
Terrain: 29 low-lying coral atolls and five single islands.

Climate: Tropical with a wet season from May to November.

People:
Nationality: Marshallese.
Population: 60 000
Ethnic Groups: 90% Marshallese, 10% estimated U.S., Filipino, Chinese, New Zealander.
Religions: Christian, mostly Protestant.
Languages: Two major Marshallese dialects from Malayo-Polynesian family; English (official)
Literacy: 95%

Natural resources: Coconut products, marine products, phosphate deposits, deep seabed minerals.

Agriculture products: Coconuts, tomatoes, melons, taro, breadfruit, fruits; pigs, chickens.

Industries: Copra, tuna processing, tourism, craft items from seashells, wood, and pearls.

Exports partners: USA, Japan, Australia, China (2004)

Imports partners: USA, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Fiji, China, Philippines (2004)

Currency: US dollar (USD)