Country Guide • Marshall Islands
The Marshall Islands consist of two almost parallel chains of atolls and islands. Majuro Atoll is west of Honolulu, east of Guam and south east of Tokyo. The eastern Ratak (Sunrise) Chain consists of 15 atolls and islands, and the western Ralik (Sunset) Chain consists of 16 atolls and islands. Together these two chains comprise 1152 islands and islets dispersed over more than 1,900,000km² (500,000mile²) of the central Pacific. All the islands and islets are of coral formation with some rising just a metre above the water.
| Official Name | Republic of the Marshall Islands |
|---|---|
| Area | 181km² (70mile²) |
| Population | 55,000 |
| Continent | Australia/Oceania |
| Population per mile² | 806 |
| Capital City | Majuro |
| Religions | Mostly Christians, of which most are Protestant. Other minorities include Roman Catholics, Mormons, Seven Day Adventists and Assembly of God followers |
| Language | The official language is English with two major Marshallese dialects spoken (Marshallese is a language in the Malayo-Polynesian family), while some Japanese is also spoken |
| Government | Constitutional government in free association with the US |
| Currency | Us Dollar |
| GDP | $105 million |
| GDP per Head | $1,670 |
| Natural Resources | Phosphate deposits, marine products, deep seabed minerals |
| Land Use | Arable Land 17% |
| Agriculture | Coconuts, tomatoes, melons, taro, breadfruit, fruits; pigs, chickens |
| Industry | Fishing, Handicrafts, Shell Processing, Tourism |
| Tourism | With so many islands and so many white sandy beaches plus its lush tropical greenery inland - it's another paradise. That being said some of the islands were tested with Atom Bombs and as such are no uninhabitable. Great for diving whether it be for the fish, coral or World War II wrecks! |
| Natural Hazards | Occasional typhoons |
| Health Risks | Don't drink unboiled tap water |
| Climate | The Marshall Islands has a tropical climate with a wet season from May to November. The islands border the typhoon belt and the average annual temperature is 27°C (81°F) all year. Wettest months are usually October to November |
| Time | GMT/UTC+12 hours |
| National Days | March 1 Memorial and Nuclear Victims’ Remembrance Day. May 1 Constitution Day. July 4 Fishermen’s Day. September 1 Rijerbal (Labour) Day. September 30 Manin (Custom) Day. October 21 Compact Day. November 17 President’s Day |
| Visas | Visas are not required for most visitors; upon arrival visitors will be issued a 30-day entry permit that can be extended twice, for a maximum stay of 90 days, for US$10 per extension |
| British Embassy | Embassy Details |
Information Only
The content above is for information purposes only and we have tried to ensure that the information is as accurate as possible. We cannot accept any responsibility for any inconvenience, loss or injury as a result of the information above. You should always check and verify any critical information like visas, health and safety and customs with the relevant authorities before you travel since information can change at any time.
