Marshall Islands Facts and Culture

What is Marshall Islands famous for?

• Cultural Attributes: The people of the Marshall Islands are Micronesians, a dark-skinned people with wavy or woolly hair.   They are noted for... More

What is the capital of Marshall Islands?

Capital	Majuro; note - the capital is an atoll of 64 islands; governmental buildings are housed on three fused islands: Djarrit, Uliga, and Delap
Government Type	presidential republic in free association with the US
Currency	US Dollar (USD)
Total Area	70 Square Miles 181 Square Kilometers
Location	Oceania, two archipelagic island chains of 29 atolls, each made up of many small islets, and five single islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and Australia
Language	English (widely spoken as a second language, both English and Marshallese are official languages), two major Marshallese dialects from the Malayo-Polynesian family, Japanese
GDP - real growth rate	1.7%
GDP - per capita (PPP)	$3,400.00 (USD)

What is the population of Marshall Islands?

Ethnic Groups	Micronesian
Nationality Adjective	Marshallese
Nationality Noun	Marshallese (singular and plural)
Population	77,917
Population Growth Rate	1.79%
Population in Major Urban Areas	MAJURO (capital) 31,000
Predominant Language	English (widely spoken as a second language, both English and Marshallese are official languages), two major Marshallese dialects from the Malayo-Polynesian family, Japanese
Urban Population	71.8%

What type of government does Marshall Islands have?

• Executive Branch: chief of state: President David KABUA (since 13 January 2020); note - the president is both chief of state... More
• Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal More
• Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of the Marshall Islands dual citizenship... More
• National Holiday: Constitution Day, 1 May (1979) More
• Constitution: effective 1 May 1979; amended several times, last in 1995 More
• Independence: 21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship) More

What environmental issues does Marshall Islands have?

• Overview: The Marshall Islands are located in the eastern part of the geographic region known as Micronesia, or *quot;Little Islands," a... More
• Climate: The climate of the Marshall Islands is tropical, with high humidity, and an average year‑round temperature of 81°F. Trade winds... More
• Environment - Current Issues: inadequate supplies of potable water; pollution of Majuro lagoon from household waste and discharges from fishing vessels More
• Environment - International Agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,... More
• Terrain: low coral limestone and sand islands More

How big is the Marshall Islands economy?

• Economic Overview: US assistance and lease payments for the use of Kwajalein Atoll as a US military base are the mainstay of... More
• Industries: copra, fish, tourism, craft items from shell, wood, and pearls More
• Currency Name and Code: US Dollar (USD) More
• Export Partners: US, Japan, Australia, China More
• Import Partners: US, Japan, Australia, NZ, Singapore, Fiji, China, Philippines More

What current events are happening in Marshall Islands?
Source: Google News

What unique things can you discover about Marshall Islands?

• For almost 40 years the islands were under U.S. administration as the easternmost part of the United Nation's Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
  

What makes Marshall Islands a unique country to travel to?

Country Description

With a population of approximately 53,000, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) covers a land area of only 70.5 square miles but includes one of the largest maritime zones in the Pacific Ocean. The country consists of 29 atolls and five islands. The Marshall Islands is a parliamentary democracy, and its close relationship with the United States is reflected in the Compact of Free Association that binds our two nations. The RMI has a developing agrarian and service-oriented economy. Limited tourist facilities exist, including three major hotels in Majuro, while most other areas have limited guest quarters.

Crime

Travel around the Marshall Islands is, by most standards, considered safe. The Marshall Islands has a relatively low crime rate. The most common crimes are break-ins and thefts from homes, hotel rooms, and vehicles, as well as occasional random acts of vandalism. There have been a few recent but isolated incidents in which non-U.S. foreigners were assaulted. It is recommended that visitors dress conservatively; skin showing above the knee, especially for females, may be considered offensive to some Marshallese citizens. Keep your hotel room or residence locked at all times. Occasionally, fights and assaults occur at nightclubs and bars. If you visit those establishments, especially late in the evening, be extra vigilant to ensure your personal security.

Don’t buy counterfeit or pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, you may be breaking local law too.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in the Marshall Islands, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in the Marshall Islands, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go.

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

Medical Facilities and Health Information

Health facilities in Majuro and Ebeye are adequate for routine medical problems. There are few or no health facilities available elsewhere in the Marshall Islands. Majuro has a private clinic and a public hospital. Ebeye also has a public hospital. Most outer islands have medical dispensaries. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Prescription and over the counter medicine may not be available. We recommend that you bring a supply of your prescription medication when you visit. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. However, the local cost for service is quite minimal.

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in the Marshall Islands.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions

While in the Marshall Islands, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning the Marshall Islands is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Majuro atoll has only one main road. The road is paved, but there are few traffic signs and no traffic lights. While driving, you should be alert for dogs, chickens, and pigs roaming the streets and children darting into the road. Children frequently play dangerous games with vehicles, running in front of or behind vehicles. Drinking and driving is common, especially on the weekends, so use caution. Walking beside the street can be dangerous due to poor lighting, absence of sidewalks, and drivers who may have been drinking.

Vehicle traffic proceeds slowly, rarely over 25 miles per hour. Roads experience temporary flooding after heavy rains and during especially high tides. Since there are few streetlights, visibility is poor, and night driving requires special caution. For specific information concerning drivers’ permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, please contact the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.