Country Profile: Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands is an upper middle-income nation located in the North Pacific Ocean, comprising 29 atolls and five isolated islands. With a population of approximately 82,011 (2024 estimate), it features a unique tropical climate, predominantly urbanized areas, and significant reliance on imports and U.S. aid for its economy. Governed as a mixed presidential-parliamentary system in free association with the United States, the country has a rich history of navigation and cultural heritage that continues to shape its societal structure.

Geography

The Marshall Islands consists of 29 atolls and five isolated islands divided into the Ratak and Ralik Chains, situated roughly halfway between Hawaii and Australia. The total land area is 181 sq km, but the archipelago boasts a vast lagoon area of 11,673 sq km. The islands feature low coral limestone and sand terrain, with the highest point reaching 14 m at Airik Island.

370.4 km of coastline
Tropical climate with a wet season from May to November
More than 78.9% of the population lives in urban areas (2023)
Notable for the world's largest lagoon at Kwajalein Atoll

People and Society

The population of the Marshall Islands stands at 82,011 (2024 estimate), with a youthful demographic where 30% are aged 0-14 years. The majority, about 95.6%, identify as Marshallese, speaking Marshallese as the primary language. The population is predominantly Protestant, representing 79.3% of the religious demographic.

95.8% literacy rate (2021)
Median age is 25.9 years (2025 estimate)
78.9% of the population lives in urban areas (2023)
Life expectancy is 75.2 years (2024 estimate)

Economy

The economy is classified as upper middle-income, heavily dependent on U.S. aid and importation of goods. The GDP (PPP) is estimated at $270.809 million for 2024, with real GDP growth projected at 2.8%. Agriculture constitutes 19.5% of the economy, mainly through copra production and offshore fisheries.

70.5% of the GDP from services (2023)
7.2% of the population lives below the poverty line (2019)
13.3% of GDP is derived from remittances (2023)
Inflation rate reached 6.2% (2022)

Government

The Republic of the Marshall Islands operates under a mixed presidential-parliamentary system with the capital at Majuro. The government is formed through a combination of customs and law, making the president both the head of state and government. The most recent presidential election took place on January 2, 2023.

33 members in the unicameral legislature (Nitijela)
Constitution effective since May 1, 1979
Citizens are required to reside in the country for 5 years for naturalization
The current president is Hilda C. HEINE, serving since January 3, 2023

Military and Security

The defense of the Marshall Islands is primarily the responsibility of the United States, established through the Compact of Free Association (COFA) signed in 1982. The Marshall Islands hosts U.S. military operations, particularly for missile testing, while maintaining a local police force that includes a Sea Patrol Division.

The Marshall Islands has a "shiprider" agreement with the U.S. for maritime law enforcement
The military does not maintain a standing army

Energy

The Marshall Islands has achieved universal electrification, with 100% of the population having access to electricity, including both urban and rural areas. This advancement supports the country's development goals while promoting sustainability.

96.1% electrification in urban areas (2022)

Environment

The Marshall Islands faces several environmental issues, including water scarcity, pollution of the Majuro lagoon, and threats from rising sea levels. It is a participant in various international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these challenges.

53.9% of the land is covered by forests (2023)
39.7% of municipal solid waste is recycled (2022)

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure includes air and sea routes, with 33 airports and a merchant marine fleet of 4,180 vessels. The country's ports facilitate trade and transport between the islands and beyond.

3 major ports, all of which are categorized as small
Air service is vital for inter-island connectivity

Communications

Telecommunications in the Marshall Islands are developing, with a mobile subscription rate of approximately 38 per 100 inhabitants. Internet penetration has increased, reaching 66% of the population.

2,000 fixed-line subscriptions (2014 est.)
1,000 fixed broadband subscriptions (2022 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	82,011 (2024 est.)
Area	181 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$270.809 million	(2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	75.2 years	(2024 est.)
Literacy	95.8%	(2021 est.)
Inflation Rate	6.2%	(2022 est.)
Urban Population	78.9%	(2023)
Electricity Access	100%	(2022 est.)
Birth Rate	20.81 births/1,000	(2025 est.)
Unemployment Rate	Data not provided