| Region: | Oceania |
| Capital: | Majuro |
| Population: | 59,190 (207th Rank) |
| Size: | 181 km² (214th Largest) |
| Language: | Marshallese, English |
| Density: | 329 per Km2 |
| Currency: | United States Dollar |
| National flower: | Plumeria |
| National dish: | Barramundi cod |
Quick Facts
The Marshall Islands are comprised of 29 coral atolls, which contain over 1,000 individual islands and islets. Despite the large number of islands, the total land area is just 70 square miles, making it one of the world’s smallest countries.
The islands are named after British explorer John Marshall, who visited them in the late 18th century. However, the Marshallese people have their own name for the country, “Aolepān Aorōkin M̧ajeļ,” which translates to “The Connections of the Marshall Islands.”
The Marshall Islands served as a testing site for U.S. nuclear weapons between 1946 and 1958. The legacy of these tests, particularly on the Bikini and Enewetak atolls, has had long-lasting environmental and health impacts.
Stick chart navigation is a traditional Marshallese art form used for oceanic navigation. These charts, made from sticks and shells, represent wave patterns, ocean currents, and the locations of islands, helping sailors navigate the vast Pacific Ocean.
The Marshall Islands is one of only a few countries that recognizes Taiwan as a sovereign state, rather than the People’s Republic of China. As a result, Taiwan provides various forms of assistance to the Marshall Islands, including educational scholarships and development aid.
