Government
Constitutional government in free association with the U.S.
Geography
The Marshall Islands, east of the Carolines, are divided into two chains: the western, or Ralik, group, including the atolls Jaluit, Kwajalein, Wotho, Bikini, and Eniwetok; and the eastern, or Ratak, group, including the atolls Mili, Majuro, Maloelap, Wotje, and Likiep. The islands are of the coralreef type and rise only a few feet above sea level.
Historical Background
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 atolls between 1947 and 1962. The Marshall Islands hosts the US Army Kwajalein Atoll (USAKA) Reagan Missile Test Site, a key installation in the US missile defense network.
Facts & Figures
Name
MARSHALL ISLANDS
Capital
Majuro (Delap)
Government
Democratic Presidential Republic
Language
Marshallese, English
Religion
Virtually all Marshallese are Christian. Most of them are Protestant
Area
181 km2 (213th)70 sq mi
Population
2009 estimate 62,000 [1] (205th) 2003 census 56,429
Currency
United States dollar (USD)
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