Country Profile: Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands is an island nation located in the North Pacific Ocean, comprising 29 atolls and five isolated islands. With a population of approximately 82,011 people, the nation has a diverse society predominantly of Marshallese ethnicity. The economy is characterized as an upper middle-income Pacific island economy, heavily reliant on US aid, with significant contributions from the public sector, agriculture, and offshore banking. Governance operates under a mixed presidential-parliamentary system in free association with the United States.

Geography

The Marshall Islands is situated about halfway between Hawaii and Australia and consists of 29 atolls and five isolated islands, totaling approximately 181 square kilometers. The islands are divided into the Ratak (Sunrise) and Ralik (Sunset) chains, with the capital, Majuro, located in the latter. The climate is tropical, with a wet season from May to November and occasional typhoons.

1,225 islands and islets, with 22 atolls and 4 islands uninhabited.
370.4 km of coastline surrounding the islands.
Tropical climate, characterized by heat and humidity.

People and Society

The population of the Marshall Islands is estimated at 82,011 in 2024, with a median age of 25.9 years. The majority of residents are Marshallese, with a small percentage of Filipinos and other ethnicities. English is widely spoken alongside the official language, Marshallese. The society is predominantly Protestant, with a life expectancy of 75.2 years at birth.

95.6% of the population identifies as Marshallese.
78.9% of the population resides in urban areas.
20.81 births per 1,000 population (2025 est.).

Economy

The economy of the Marshall Islands is predominantly reliant on aid from the United States and consists of a large public sector. As of 2024, the real GDP is approximately $270.809 million, with a growth rate of 2.8% anticipated. The economy is import-dependent, with notable industries including copra and tuna processing.

70.5% of GDP is derived from the services sector (2023 est.).
19.5% of GDP comes from agriculture (2023 est.).
7.2% of the population lived below the poverty line in 2019.

Government

The Marshall Islands operates as a mixed presidential-parliamentary system in free association with the United States. The country has a Constitution effective since May 1, 1979, and elected its first female president, Hilda C. Heine, in 2016. The president serves both as the head of state and government.

33 members in the unicameral Parliament (Nitijela).
The latest presidential election occurred on January 2, 2023.
Independence was granted on October 21, 1986.

Military and Security

Defense responsibilities for the Marshall Islands lie with the United States, as established by the Compact of Free Association. The nation hosts a US Army missile test site and has its own police department, which includes a Sea Patrol Division.

1 police department responsible for domestic security.
1982 Compact with the US grants military defense in exchange for financial assistance.
Local maritime law enforcement collaborates with the US Coast Guard under a "shiprider" agreement.

Energy

The Marshall Islands boasts a 100% electrification rate as of 2022, providing electricity access to both urban and rural populations.

Urban areas have an electrification rate of 96.1%.
The energy profile reflects a strong reliance on sustainable practices with the potential for coconut oil production as a diesel substitute.

Environment

The Marshall Islands faces several environmental challenges, including inadequate drinking water, pollution in lagoons, and rising sea levels due to climate change. The nation is a party to multiple international environmental agreements.

39.7% of municipal solid waste is recycled (2022 est.).
The country is vulnerable to rising sea levels and pollution from waste discharge.
Participates in important international environmental treaties including the Paris Agreement.

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure includes 33 airports and a merchant marine fleet of 4,180 ships, indicating a well-established means of travel and trade.

3 ports are utilized for commercial and public transport.
The aviation sector is supported by a strong network of civil aircraft.

Communications

Approximately 66% of the population were internet users in 2023, reflecting a growing adoption of digital technologies. The country has a limited broadcasting infrastructure but offers cable networks and radio services.

16,000 mobile cellular subscriptions (2021).
More than 2,000 fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2014 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	82,011 (2024 est.)
Area	181 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$270.809 million (2024 est.)	In 2021 dollars
Life Expectancy	75.2 years (2024 est.)	At birth
Birth Rate	20.81 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Urbanization	78.9% of total population (2023)
Electricity Access	100%	Total population electrified (2022 est.)
Population Below Poverty Line	7.2% (2019 est.)	Below national poverty line
Literacy Rate	95.8% (2021 est.)	Total population
Total Fertility Rate	2.62 children born/woman (2025 est.)