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Marshall Islands | History, Capital, Language, Flag, Facts & Geography of Marshall Islands

History of Marshall Islands:

The Marshall Islands is a small island nation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The islands were originally inhabited by immigrants from Southeast Asia. The first European to arrive was the Spanish explorer De Sasvedra, who landed in 1529. In 1799, British explorer John Marshall visited. The islands are named after John Marshall.

Spain was the first country to claim the islands in 1874. Shortly thereafter in 1884 they were bought from Germany by Spain. During World War I, Japan ruled the islands until the United States expelled the Japanese at the end of World War II. These islands were U.S. territories until they became independent states in 1979. The Marshall Islands are now home to the US Army’s Reagan Missile Range, a key facility in the US missile defense network.

Information about Marshall Islands:

Capital Majuro
Population 42,070 (Source: 2023 worldometer)
Major Cities Majuro (capital), Ebaye, Jabor, Arno, Wotje, Mili, Namdrik, Ebon, Kili
Borders Maritime borders with: Kiribati, the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, and Wake Island
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) $279,667,900 (2022 worldometer)
Currency US dollar (USD)

Flag of Marshall Islands:

Marshall Islands Economy Key Industries:

Marshall Islands Major Industries: copra, tuna processing, tourism, craft items from seashells, wood, and pearls

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Marshall Islands Agricultural Products: coconuts, tomatoes, melons, taro, breadfruit, fruits; pigs, chickens

Marshall Islands Natural Resources: coconut products, marine products, deep seabed minerals

Marshall Islands Major Exports: copra cake, coconut oil, handicrafts, fish

Marshall Islands Major Imports: foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, fuels, beverages and tobacco

The Geography of Marshall Islands:

Total Size of Marshall Islands: 181 km² (source: wikipedia)

Geographical Low Point of Marshall Islands: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Geographical High Point of Marshall Islands: unnamed location on Likiep 10 m

Climate of Marshall Islands: Tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November; islands border typhoon belt

General Terrain of Marshall Islands: low coral limestone and sand islands

World Region or Continent of Marshall Islands:  Oceania

Geographical Coordinates: 9 00 N, 168 00 E

The People of  Marshall Islands & Culture

Marshall Islands Government Type: constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 21 October 1986 and the Amended Compact entered into force in May 2004 

Marshall Islands Nationality: Marshallese (singular and plural)

Marshall Islands National Holiday: Constitution Day, 1 May (1979)

Marshall Islands Independence: 21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)

Marshall Islands National Symbol: 

Marshall Islands National Anthem or Song: 

Marshall Islands Languages Spoken:  Marshallese 98.2%, other languages 1.8% (1999 census)

Marshall Islands Religions: Protestant 54.8%, Assembly of God 25.8%, Roman Catholic 8.4%, Bukot nan Jesus 2.8%, Mormon 2.1%, other Christian 3.6%, other 1%, none 1.5% (1999 census)

Interesting Facts about Marshall Islands:

The Marshall Islands is an island country in the Pacific Ocean. Located in the central Pacific Ocean, the Marshall Islands are made up of 29 atolls and 5 separate islands spread over more than 1,000 square miles of water.

The capital of the Marshall Islands is Majuro. Majuro is not only the largest city, but also the economic and political center of the country with a vibrant population and culture.

The Marshall Islands is a sovereign state that freely associates with the United States. The Marshall Islands gained independence in 1986 but maintains close ties with the United States, particularly in defense and economic assistance.

The official languages ​​of the Marshall Islands are Marshallese and English. Marshallese is the language spoken by the majority of the population, while English is widely used in government, education and business.

The Marshall Islands are known for their breathtaking natural beauty. With pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and colorful coral reefs, the Marshall Islands offer a paradise-like setting for tourists and locals alike.

The waters around the Marshall Islands are home to a wealth of marine life. Divers and snorkelers can explore the rich biodiversity of vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins and even sharks.

The Marshall Islands are one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change. The Marshall Islands are at risk of flooding due to rising sea levels, raising concerns about the future of the country and its people.

The Marshall Islands economy relies heavily on external aid and financial support. The Marshall Islands government relies primarily on foreign aid from the United States to support its infrastructure, education, and health care system.

The currency used in the Marshall Islands is the US dollar. As part of its relationship with the United States, this country uses the US dollar as its official currency.

The nuclear tests conducted by the United States have had a significant impact on the environment and health of the Marshall Islands. Between 1946 and 1958, the United States conducted numerous nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands, with lasting effects on the environment and health of the Marshall Islands.

The Marshall Islands have the largest shark sanctuary in the world. In 2011, the Marshall Islands established the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, a sanctuary for sharks and other marine life covering an area larger than the area of ​​Germany.

Traditional Marshallese culture is rich in music, dance and oral storytelling.
The Marshallese have a strong cultural heritage expressed in traditional dances, songs and legends that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Marshall stick dancing, known as ‘jebwot’, is a popular cultural performance. In Jebwot, dancers twist sticks rhythmically, demonstrating agility and coordination and telling stories through movement.

The Marshall Islands have a unique cuisine influenced by Polynesian, Asian and European flavors. Coconut, fish and taro are staples of Marshallese cuisine, and traditional dishes often use local ingredients and seafood.

About 60,000 people live in the Marshall Islands. Despite being a small country, the Marshall Islands are home to a diverse population with a rich mix of cultures and ethnicities.

Marshallese are known for their hospitality and friendliness. Visitors to the Marshall Islands can expect a warm welcome and genuine hospitality from the locals.

The Marshall Islands were once part of the Pacific Islands Trust Territory.
After World War II, the United States administered the Marshall Islands as part of the Pacific Islands Trust Territory until its independence in 1986.

The Marshall Islands are a popular destination for diving enthusiasts. Home to numerous WWII shipwrecks and diverse marine life, the Marshall Islands offer an unforgettable diving experience.

Unemployment in the Marshall Islands is relatively high. Unemployment remains a challenge in the country due to limited employment opportunities and reliance on external assistance.

The Marshall Islands have their own nautical stick chart system. Traditionally, Marshall navigators used stick his charts or ‘leveribs’ to navigate the vast Pacific Ocean, relying on natural landmarks and currents.

The Marshall Islands have a rich history of traditional tattoos. Tattoos, known as ‘tatau’, have cultural significance in the Marshall Islands and serve as a form of personal expression and identity.

The Marshall Islands declare their annual “Constitution Day” a national holiday. On May 1st, the Marshall Islands will celebrate the passage of its constitution, marking a significant milestone in its political history.

The Marshall Islands played an important role in the development of bikini swimwear. This bikini swimsuit is named after the Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands, where a nuclear test took place and received global media attention.

The Marshall Islands are members of the United Nations and other international organizations. As an independent country, the Marshall Islands actively participates in world affairs and is a member of various international organizations.