Marshall Islands

Region
🌍 Oceania
Population
👥 37
Currency
💱 United States dollar
Languages
🗣️ English, Marshallese
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Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of the Marshall Islands
Continent
Oceania
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Marshallese
Independence
October 21, 1986 (from the US, as a UN Trust Territory)
Top-Level Domain
.mh
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+692
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+12:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Majuro
ISO Alpha-2
MH
ISO Alpha-3
MHL
UN Code
584
Geographic Coordinates
9,168
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
181#222 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
37,548#221 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
215.71
Highest Point (m)
10 meters (on Likiep Atoll)
Lowest Point (m)
0 meters (sea level)
Land Use
Agricultural land accounts for a very small percentage; the vast majority is atoll land and sea.
Irrigated Land
Irrigation is not extensively practiced in the Marshall Islands.
Coastline Length
370 kilometers
Climate
Tropical; hot and humid; wet season from May to November
Natural Resources
Coconut products, marine resources, deep seabed minerals
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
No land borders
Major Rivers
This country has no major rivers.
Major Lakes
This country has no major lakes.
Government Type
Parliamentary Republic
Administrative Divisions
24 municipalities and districts, including the atolls and islands
Chief of State
President Hilda Heine
Head of Government
President Hilda Heine
Cabinet
The Cabinet is appointed by the President from among the members of the Nitijela.
Elections
Elections for the Nitijela (parliament) are held every four years; the President is elected by the Nitijela.
Judicial Branch
The Supreme Court, High Court, Traditional Rights Court, and District Courts.
Legislative Branch
Nitijela (parliament) - a unicameral legislature.
Major Political Parties
United People's Party (UPP) and Ailin Kein Ad (AKA)
CurrencySource: REST Countries
United States dollar
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
0.31#209 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
0.33#199 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
8,489.06#110 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
19.94
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
13.41
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
68.19
Inflation Rate (%)
Inflation rates fluctuate; recent figures are approximately 2-5%.
Labor Force (people)
The labor force is relatively small, estimated to be around 20,000 people.
Unemployment Rate (%)
The unemployment rate is estimated to be around 30%.
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (2019)Checked September 29, 2026
41.56
Budget
The Marshall Islands' annual budget is relatively small, focusing on essential services.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
0.11#187 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
0.25#190 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Foreign reserves are managed in conjunction with its use of the US dollar.
GDP by Sector
The economy is largely based on services, including tourism and fishing.
Major Industries
Major industries include tourism, fishing, and copra production.
Major Export Partners
Major export partners include the United States and Japan.
Major Import Partners
Major import partners include the United States, Japan, and Australia.

Society

95.76#74 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
20.1
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
7.1
Net Migration Rate
The net migration rate is slightly negative.
Median Age
The median age is approximately 25 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
79.11#64 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Urbanization is a slow process in the Marshall Islands.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
67.1#174 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence is relatively low.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
13.41
Ethnic Groups
The population is predominantly Marshallese, with small minorities.
Religions
Christianity is the dominant religion.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
English, Marshallese

Education

Education System
Education is compulsory from ages 6 to 14. The system includes primary, secondary, and post-secondary levels.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2019)Checked September 29, 2026
10.2
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education varies, but is a significant portion of the budget.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
College of the Marshall Islands.

Culture

Cultural Overview
Culture is Micronesian, with strong traditions, including dance, music, and seafaring skills. Family and community are central.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
  • New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
  • Remembrance Day (2026-03-01)
  • Good Friday (2026-04-03)
  • Constitution Day (2026-05-01)
  • Fishermen's Day (2026-07-03)
  • Labor Day (2026-09-04)
  • Manit Day (2026-09-25)
  • Presidents' Day (2026-11-17)
  • Gospel Day (2026-12-04)
  • Christmas Day (2026-12-25)
  • New Year's Eve (2026-12-31)
Popular Music
Contemporary and traditional music, influenced by Polynesian and Micronesian cultures. Reggae and other international genres are also popular.
Traditional Food
Includes seafood, breadfruit, taro, pandanus, and coconut.
Sports
Basketball, baseball, and outrigger canoe racing are popular.
Major Festivals
Constitution Day celebrations and various local community events.
Famous People
Notable figures include political leaders, and athletes.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Historical and cultural sites exist, reflecting the islands' history and traditions.
UNESCO Sites
No UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Annual Tourist Visits
Relatively few annual tourist visits.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is growing, primarily focused on diving, snorkeling, and historical sites.
Top Tourist Attractions
Kwajalein Atoll, Bikini Atoll, Majuro Atoll, and Laura Beach.
Famous Cities
Majuro.
National Parks
Limited national parks.
Protected Areas
Protected areas exist, focusing on marine life and ecosystems.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visas may be required; check current requirements before travel.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Exercise normal precautions.

Healthcare

Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index is moderate.
Medical Cost
Medical costs are comparable to those in the United States.
Number of Hospitals
There are several hospitals and clinics available to the population.
Universal Healthcare
Healthcare is provided through public and private facilities, with challenges in access to specialized care.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are available, with the main hospital located in Majuro, the capital.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available, but access can be limited on outer islands.

Emergency & Safety

Emergency Number (Police)
911
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
911
Emergency Number (Fire)
911
Crime Rate
Low crime rate, but petty crime may occur.
Safety Index
High safety index.
Military Expenditure
Military expenditure is handled by the United States.
Emergency Services Overview
Limited emergency services, primarily concentrated on Majuro and Ebeye.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
No standing military; defense is the responsibility of the United States.

Infrastructure

Electricity Access
Variable; access is higher in urban areas.
Water Access
Access to potable water is a concern; desalination and rainwater harvesting are common.
Sanitation Access
Variable; sewage systems are limited; septic tanks and pit latrines are prevalent.
Railways
No railways.
Roadways
Limited roadways, primarily on Majuro and Ebeye; mostly unpaved.
Transportation System
Transportation relies heavily on boats and airplanes for inter-island travel. Roads exist on the main islands.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Marshall Islands International Airport (MAJ), Bucholz Army Air Field (KWA)
Ports
Major ports on Majuro and Ebeye.
Public Transit
Limited public transit; primarily taxis and private vehicles.

Technology & Communication

Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
65.92#142 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Moderate mobile subscriptions.
Tech Startups
Very few tech startups.
Innovation Index
Low innovation index.
ICT Development Index
Low ICT development index.
TV Broadcast Stations
Limited TV broadcast stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Limited radio broadcast stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0#195 of 202
Air Quality Index
Data is limited; generally good due to the island nation's remote location.
Water Pollution Level
Relatively low, but vulnerable to contamination from improper waste disposal and ocean pollution.
Renewable Energy Usage
Increasing focus on solar energy, with a growing percentage of electricity generated from renewables.
Environmental Issues
Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, coral reef degradation, water pollution, and waste management.
Natural Hazards
Typhoons, droughts, and potential for tsunamis.
Waste Management
Limited infrastructure; challenges with waste disposal and recycling.
Environmental Agreements
Party to international agreements on climate change, biodiversity, and ozone depletion.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Has diplomatic missions in several countries.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Member of the Pacific Community, the Pacific Islands Forum, and others.
Major Treaties
Part of various treaties related to climate change, maritime affairs, and human rights.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens can travel visa-free to numerous countries.

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