Country Profile: Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands is a nation in Oceania comprised of 29 atolls and five isolated islands in the North Pacific Ocean. The country has a population of approximately 82,011 (2024 est.), with most residents living in urban areas on the atolls of Majuro and Ebeye. The economy is characterized as an upper-middle-income economy, reliant on US aid, with a significant public sector and a growing offshore banking industry. The governance system is a mixed presidential-parliamentary democracy in free association with the United States.

Geography

The Marshall Islands consists of 29 atolls and five isolated islands, making up a total area of 181 sq km. The terrain is primarily composed of low coral limestone and sand islands, and the climate is tropical with a wet season occurring from May to November. The islands are strategically located about halfway between Hawaii and Australia.

1,225 total islands and islets
370.4 km of coastline
12 nm territorial sea
200 nm exclusive economic zone
The highest point is 14 m on Airik Island, Maloelap Atoll.

People and Society

The population of the Marshall Islands is approximately 82,011 (2024 est.), predominantly Marshallese (95.6%). The majority of the population speaks Marshallese, while English is widely used as a second language. The society reflects a blend of traditional cultural practices and modern influences, and life expectancy is around 75.2 years.

79.3% of the population are Protestants
30% of the population is aged 0-14 years
Urban population contributes to 78.9% of total population
1.26% annual population growth rate (2024 est.)
21.2 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Economy

The Marshall Islands possesses an upper-middle-income economy that relies heavily on US aid. It has a large public sector and is import-dependent, focusing on fisheries, tourism, and coconut oil production. The Real GDP is estimated at $270.809 million in 2024, with a growth rate of 2.8% projected.

70.5% of the GDP is derived from the services sector (2023 est.)
19.5% of GDP comes from agriculture (2023 est.)
13.3% of GDP from remittances (2023 est.)
7.2% of the population lives below the poverty line (2019 est.)
17.2% of GDP from central government tax revenue (2020 est.)

Government

The Marshall Islands operates under a mixed presidential-parliamentary system and declared independence in 1986. The President serves as both the head of state and government, currently held by Hilda C. Heine. The political structure includes a unicameral parliament (Nitijela) with 33 members elected through a plurality system.

Constitution enacted on 1 May 1979
Universal suffrage at 18 years of age
Next presidential election due in 2027
The judiciary consists of a Supreme Court and subordinate courts
No formally organized political parties; factions rather prevail.

Military and Security

The Marshall Islands maintains no regular military forces; defense responsibilities are primarily managed by the United States under a Compact of Free Association, established in 1982. The local police department includes a Sea Patrol Division to oversee maritime issues.

Compact of Free Association entered into force in 1986
Shiprider agreements enable local officers to board US vessels
US conducts missile testing at a site within the islands
The Marshall Islands Police Department oversees local security

Energy

The country has achieved 100% electrification, with urban areas at 96.1% and rural areas also fully electrified. The energy sector is focused on sustainable sources, with coconut oil being utilized as a diesel substitute.

100% of the population has electricity access (2022 est.)
Urban electrification at 96.1% (2022 est.)

Environment

The environmental challenges faced by the Marshall Islands include inadequate potable water, pollution in the Majuro lagoon, and rising sea levels. The nation is a party to several international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity.

39.7% of municipal solid waste is recycled (2022 est.)
293,700 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions recorded (2017 est.)
8,600 tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.)

Transportation

Transportation within the Marshall Islands comprises 33 airports and a merchant fleet of 4,180 vessels, including various types of cargo and oil tankers. The country has three ports primarily serving small vessels.

33 airports projected in 2025
4,180 total merchant marine vessels (2023)
Key ports include Enitwetak Island, Kwajalein, and Majuro Atoll

Communications

In terms of communications, the Marshall Islands has a moderate level of internet access with 66% of the population using the internet. Fixed and mobile cellular subscriptions have been increasing, though TV broadcast services are limited.

66% internet penetration (2023 est.)
16,000 mobile cellular subscriptions (2021 est.)
2,000 fixed line subscriptions (2014 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	82,011 (2024 est.)
Area	181 sq km
GDP	$270.809 million	(2024 est.)
Energy Consumption	100% electrification	(2022 est.)
Birth Rate	21.2 births/1,000	(2024 est.)
Unemployment	n/a