Marshall Islands
19147
226089152
2008-07-16T19:50:45Z
205.214.235.18
/* Added information about ongoing energy shortage/crisis. */
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{{Infobox Country
|native_name = {{unicode|Aolepān Aorōkin M̧ajeļ}}<br>Republic of the Marshall Islands
|common_name = Marshall Islands
|image_flag = Flag of the Marshall Islands.svg
|image_coat = Marshall Islands COA.png
|image_map = LocationMarshallIslands.png
|national_motto = "Jepilpilin ke ejukaan" ("Accomplishment through Joint Effort")
|national_anthem = ''[[Forever Marshall Islands]]''
|official_languages = [[Marshallese language|Marshallese]], [[English language|English]]
|demonym = Marshallese
|capital = [[Majuro]]
|latd=7 |latm=7 |latNS=N |longd=171 |longm=4 |longEW=E
|largest_city = Majuro
|government_type = [[representative democracy|Democratic]] [[presidential system|Presidential]] [[Republic]] in [[Compact of Free Association|Free Association]] with the [[United states of America|USA]]
|leader_title1 = [[President of the Marshall Islands|President]]
|leader_name1 = [[Litokwa Tomeing]]
|area_rank = 213th
|area_magnitude = 1 E7
|area_km2 = 181
|area_sq_mi = 69.8 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
|percent_water = negligible
|population_estimate = 61,963
|population_estimate_rank = 205th
|population_estimate_year = July 2005
|population_census = 56,429
|population_census_year = 2003
|population_density_km2 = 326
|population_density_sq_mi = 846 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
|population_density_rank = 28th
|GDP_PPP = $115 million
|GDP_PPP_rank = 220th
|GDP_PPP_year = 2001
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $2,900 <small>(2005 est.)</small>
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 195th
|sovereignty_type = [[Independence]]
|established_event1 = from the [[United States]]
|established_date1 = [[October 21]] [[1986]]
|HDI = n/a
|HDI_rank = n/a
|HDI_year = n/a
|HDI_category = <font color=gray>unranked</font>
|currency = [[United States dollar]]
|currency_code = USD
|country_code =
|time_zone =
|utc_offset = +12
|time_zone_DST =
|utc_offset_DST =
|cctld = [[.mh]]
|calling_code = 692
|footnotes =
}}
The '''Marshall Islands''', officially the '''Republic of the Marshall Islands''' (RMI), is a [[Micronesia]]n [[island nation]] in the western [[Pacific Ocean]], located north of [[Nauru]] and [[Kiribati]], east of the [[Federated States of Micronesia]] and south of the U.S. territory of [[Wake Island]], to which it lays claim.
== History ==
{{main|History of the Marshall Islands}}
Although the Marshall Islands were settled by [[Micronesia]]ns in the [[2nd millennium BC]], little is known of their early history. [[Spain|Spanish]] explorer [[Alonso de Salazar]] was the first [[Europe]]an to see the islands in [[1526]], but they remained virtually unvisited by Europeans until the arrival of [[United Kingdom|British]] Captain [[John Marshall (British captain)|John Marshall]] in [[1788]]; the islands are now named after him.
[[Image:Marshall islands-map.png|left|thumb|250px|Map of the Marshall Islands]]
A [[Germany|German]] trading company settled on the islands in [[1885]], and they became part of the [[protectorate]] of [[German New Guinea]] some years later. [[Japan]] conquered the islands in [[World War I]], and administered them as a [[League of Nations mandate]].
In [[World War II]], the [[United States]] [[Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign|invaded and occupied]] the islands ([[1944]]) destroying or isolating the Japanese garrisons, and they were added to the [[Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands]] (including several more island groups in the South Sea). From 1946 to 1958 the US tested 66 [[nuclear weapons]] in the Marshall Islands,<ref>[http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/bomb/maps/index.html "Nuclear Weapons Test Map"], ''[[Public Broadcasting Service]]''</ref> including the largest [[nuclear test]] the US ever conducted, [[Castle Bravo]]. Nuclear claims between the US and the Marshall Islands are ongoing, and health effects from these tests linger. (See [[Rongelap]].)
In [[1979]], the Government of the Marshall Islands was officially established and the country became self-governing. In [[1986]] the [[Compact of Free Association]] with the United States entered into force, granting the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) its sovereignty. The Compact provided for aid and US defense of the islands in exchange for continued US military use of the missile testing range at [[Kwajalein Atoll]]. The independence was formally completed under international law in [[1990]], when the UN officially ended the Trusteeship status.
On [[March 21]] [[2007]], the government of the Marshall Islands declared a state of emergency due to a prolonged [[drought]].
On [[July 3]] [[2008]], the government of the Marshall Islands declared a state of emergency related to energy shortages due to a lack of financial reserves and unusually high energy costs.
== Government ==
{{main|Politics of the Marshall Islands}}
[[Image:Republic of the Marshall Islands Capitol Building.gif|left|thumb|350px|Marshall Islands Capitol building]]
The government of the Marshall Islands operates under a mixed parliamentary-presidential system. Elections are held every four years in [[universal suffrage]] (for all citizens above 18 years of age) with each of the twenty-four constituencies (see below) electing one or more representatives (senators) to the lower house of RMI’s [[Bicameralism|bicameral legislature]], the '''Nitijela'''. ([[Majuro]], the capital atoll, elects five senators.) The President, who is head of state as well as head of government, is elected by the 33 senators of the Nitijela.
Legislative power lies with the Nitijela. The upper house of Parliament, called the '''Council of Iroij''', is an advisory body comprising twelve tribal chiefs.
The executive branch consists of the President and the Presidential Cabinet (ten ministers appointed by the President with the approval of the Nitijela.)
The twenty-four electoral districts into which the country is divided correspond to the inhabited islands and [[atoll]]s:
There are currently three political parties in the Marshall Islands: AKA, UPP & UDP. The ruling party is combined of both the AKA and UPP.
[[Image:Castle Bravo Blast.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Mushroom cloud from the largest [[nuclear test]] the United States ever conducted, [[Castle Bravo]].]]
*[[Ailinglaplap Atoll]] - ''Senator Christopher Loeak (AKA), Senator Ruben Zackhras (UDP)''
*[[Ailuk Atoll]] - ''Senator Maynard Alfred (UDP)''
*[[Arno Atoll]] - ''Senator Nidel Lorak (UPP), Senator Gerald M. Zackios (UDP)''
*[[Aur Atoll]] - ''Senator Norman Matthew (UPP)''
*[[Ebon Atoll]] - ''Senator John Silk (UDP)''
*[[Enewetak|Enewetak Atoll]] - ''Senator Jack Ading (UPP)''
*[[Jabat Island]]- ''Senator Kessai Note (UDP)''
*[[Jaluit Atoll]] - ''Senator Rien R. Morris (UDP), Senator Alvin T. Jacklick (UDP)''
*[[Kili Island]] - ''Senator Tomaki Juda (UDP)''
*[[Kwajalein Atoll]] - ''Senator Michael Kabua (AKA), Senator Tony deBrum (AKA), Senator Jeban Riklon (AKA)''
*[[Lae Atoll]] - ''Senator Rellong D. Lemari (AKA)''
*[[Lib Island]] - ''Senator Jerakoj Jerry Bejang (AKA)''
*[[Likiep Atoll]] - ''Senator Donald Capelle (UDP)''
*[[Majuro Atoll]] - ''Senator Alik Alik (UDP), Senator Wilfred I. Kendall (UDP), Senator David Kramer (IND), Senator Brenson S. Wase (UDP), Senator Jurelang Zedkaia (AKA)''
*[[Maloelap Atoll]] - ''Senator Michael Konelious (UDP)''
*[[Mejit|Mejit Island]] - ''Senator Dennis Momotaro (UPP)''
*[[Mili Atoll]] - ''Senator Kejjo Bien (UPP)''
*[[Namdrik Atoll]] - ''Senator Mattlan Zackhras (UDP)''
*[[Namu Atoll]] - ''Senator Kaibuke Kabua (AKA)''
*[[Rongelap Atoll]] - ''Senator Kenneth Kedi (IND)''
*[[Ujae Atoll]] - ''Senator Fred Muller (UPP)''
*[[Utirik Atoll|Utirik (Utrik) Atoll]] - ''Senator Amenta Matthew (IND)''
*[[Wotho Atoll]] - ''Senator David Kabua (AKA)''
*[[Wotje Atoll]] - '''''H.E. President Litokwa Tomeing (UPP)'''''
== Geography ==
[[Image:ClimateMajuroMarshallIslands.PNG|thumb|right|200px|Average monthly temperatures (red) and precipitation (blue) on [[Majuro]].]]
{{main|Geography of the Marshall Islands}}
The country consists of 29 [[atoll]]s and 5 isolated islands. The most important atolls and islands form two groups: the [[Ratak Chain]] and the [[Ralik Chain]] (meaning "sunrise" and "sunset" chains). Two-thirds of the nation's population lives on [[Majuro]] (the capital) and [[Ebeye]]. The outer islands are sparsely populated due to lack of employment opportunities and economic development. Life on the outer atolls is generally still fairly traditional, and the nutrition of the rural population, consuming food that is either grown or caught, is superior to that of most of the urban residents, who rely considerably on white rice. A majority of the islands' land mass is at sea level.
The uninhabited atolls are:
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break}}
* [[Ailinginae Atoll]]
* [[Bikar Atoll|Bikar (Bikaar) Atoll]]
* [[Bikini Atoll]]
* [[Bokak Atoll]]
* [[Erikub Atoll]]
{{col-break}}
* [[Jemo Island]]
* [[Nadikdik Atoll]]
* [[Rongerik Atoll]]
* [[Toke Atoll]]
* [[Ujelang Atoll]]
{{col-end}}
The climate is hot and humid, with a wet season from May to November. The islands occasionally suffer from [[typhoon]]s. Many Pacific typhoons start in the Marshall Islands region and grow stronger as they move west toward the [[Mariana Islands]] and the [[Philippines]].
The Marshall Islands also lays claim to [[Wake Island]], administered by the [[United States]], under the name ''Enen-kio''.
== Economy ==
{{main|Economy of the Marshall Islands}}
[[United States]] government assistance is the mainstay of the economy. Agricultural production is concentrated on small farms, and the most important commercial crops are [[coconut]]s, [[tomato]]es, [[melon]]s, and [[breadfruit]]. Small-scale industry is limited to handicrafts, fish processing, and [[copra]]. The tourist industry, now a small source of foreign exchange employing less than 10% of the labor force, remains the best hope for future added income. The islands have few natural resources, and imports far exceed exports.
In 1999, a private company built a [[tuna]] loining plant with more than 400 employees, mostly women. But the plant closed in 2005, after a failed attempt to convert it to produce tuna steaks, a process that requires half as many employees. Operating costs exceeded revenue, and the plant's owners tried to partner with the government to prevent closure. But government officials personally interested in an economic stake in the plant refused to help. After the plant closed, it was taken over by the government, which had been the guarantor of a $2 million loan to the business. The government effectively shut down the only viable industry to ever exist in the Marshall Islands.
In 2005 [[Aloha Airlines]] canceled its flight services to the Marshall Islands as part of its withdrawal from several markets in the region. Though other international airlines still serve Majuro, the Aloha decision was a setback in the country's hopes of increased revenues from tourism.
Under the terms of the Amended [[Compact of Free Association]], the US will provide millions of dollars per year to the Marshall Islands (RMI) through 2023, at which time a trust fund made up of US and RMI contributions will begin perpetual annual payouts. Over the past decade, GDP growth averaged only 1% due to government downsizing, drought, a drop in construction, the decline in tourism and foreign investment due to Asian financial difficulties, and less income from the renewal of fishing vessel licenses.
The 2007 edition of "Doing Business," prepared by the [[World Bank]]'s private sector development department, declared the Marshall Islands to be the world's "Best Performer" for its ease and low expense in hiring and firing employees. But the study gave the Marshall Islands extremely low ratings for its protection of investors and contract enforcement.
In 2007 the Marshall Islands joined the [[International Labor Organization]], which means its labor laws will comply with international benchmarks, which will impact business conditions in the islands. <ref>[http://www.ilo.org/global/About_the_ILO/Media_and_public_information/Press_releases/lang--en/WCMS_083235/index.htm Republic of the Marshall Islands becomes 181st ILO member State [Press releases]<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
The United States Army maintains its [[Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site]] on [[Kwajalein]] Atoll. It is important for the local economy, as the Marshallese land owners receive rent for the base, and a large number of Marshallese work there. Majuro Atoll also benefited from foreign assistance. The main airport was built by the Japanese during [[World War II]], and the only tarmac road of the capital was built partly by the [[Taiwan]]ese and partly by the Americans.
[[Taxes]] are low, the [[income tax]] has 2 brackets with small rates (8% and 14%), [[corporate tax]] is 11.5% and general [[sales tax]] is 6%. There are no [[property taxes]].
=== Coconut oil ===
On [[September 15]], 2007, Witon Barry, of the Tobolar Copra processing plant in the Marshall Islands capital of [[Majuro]] said power authorities, private companies and entrepreneurs had been experimenting with [[coconut oil]] as alternative to [[diesel fuel]] for [[vehicles]], [[electricity generation|power generators]] and [[ships]]. Coconut [[tree]]s abound in the Pacific's [[tropical]] [[islands]]. [[Copra]], from 6 to 10 [[coconut]]s makes 1 [[litre]] [[oil]].<ref>[http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iwlwgv6YIwatWfk9HEp0bSjAiV-Q Afp.google.com, Pacific Islands look to coconut power to fuel future growth]</ref>
== Demographics ==
{{main|Demographics of the Marshall Islands}}
The Marshallese are of [[Micronesia]]n origin and migrated from Asia several thousand years ago. Although [[English language|English]] is an official language and is spoken widely, though not fluently, [[Marshallese language|Marshallese]] is used by the government. [[Japanese language|Japanese]] is also occasionally spoken in some areas.
Virtually all Marshallese are [[Christianity|Christian]], most of them [[Protestantism|Protestant]].
The Marshall Islands has the highest rate of [[leprosy]] in the world.<ref>[http://www.spc.int/prism/country/mh/stats/Social/Health/Diseases.htm Marshall Islands - Economic Policy, Planning and Statistics Office - Home page<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
== Culture ==
{{main|Culture of the Marshall Islands}}
Although now in decline, the Marshallese were once able [[navigation|navigators]], using the [[celestial navigation|stars]] and stick and shell charts. They are also experienced in [[canoe]] building and still hold annual competitions involving the unique oceanic sailing [[canoe]], the [[proa]].
<gallery>
Image:The Marshall Islands - Majuro - Surroundings.jpg
Image:The Marshall Islands - Majuro - Burial grounds.jpg
Image:The Marshall Islands - Majuro - Rusty.jpg
</gallery>
== See also ==
*[[Communications in the Marshall Islands]]
*[[Foreign relations of the Marshall Islands]]
*[[Military of the Marshall Islands]]
*[[Scouting in the Marshall Islands]]
*[[Transportation in the Marshall Islands]]
== References ==
<references />
==Further reading==
*Hein, J.R., F.L. Wong, and D.L. Mosier. (2007). ''Bathymetry of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and vicinity'' [Miscellaneous Field Studies; Map-MF-2324]. Reston, VA: U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey.
== External links ==
{{sisterlinks}}
'''Government'''
* [http://www.rmigovernment.org/index.jsp Office of the President]
* [http://www.rmiembassyus.org/ Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands Washington, DC] official government site
'''News'''
* [http://www.marshallislandsjournal.com Marshall Islands Journal] Weekly independent national newspaper
'''Overviews'''
* [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rm.html CIA World Factbook - ''Marshall Islands'']
* [http://marshall-islands.360cities.net 360 Panoramas and map of Marshall Islands]
* [http://marshall.csu.edu.au/Marshalls/ Digital Micronesia - ''Marshalls''] by [[Dirk HR Spennemann]], Associate Professor in Cultural Heritage Management
* [http://www.hawaii.edu/cpis/MI/Home.html Plants & Environments of the Marshall Islands] Book turned website by Dr. Mark Merlin of the University of Hawaii
* [http://www.bikiniatoll.com/ Atomic Testing Information]
* [http://www.nuclearfiles.org/menu/library/media-gallery/image/testing/marshall-islands.htm Pictures of victims of US nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands on Nuclear Files.org]
{{Countries and territories of Oceania}}
{{Austronesian-speaking}}
{{Former German colonies}}
{{Marshall_Islands}}
{{Anglophone states}}
{{English official language clickable map}}
<!--Categories-->
[[Category:Marshall Islands| ]]
[[Category:Freely associated states]]
[[Category:Island countries]]
[[Category:Micronesia]]
[[Category:Archipelagoes]]
[[Category:English-speaking countries and territories]]
<!--Other languages-->
[[ar:جزر مارشال]]
[[an:Islas Marshall]]
[[frp:March·al (payis)]]
[[ast:Islles Marshall]]
[[zh-min-nan:Marshall Kûn-tó]]
[[be-x-old:Маршалавы выспы]]
[[bs:Maršalska Ostrva]]
[[bg:Маршалови острови]]
[[ca:Illes Marshall]]
[[ceb:Islas sa Marshall]]
[[cs:Marshallovy ostrovy]]
[[cy:Ynysoedd Marshall]]
[[da:Marshalløerne]]
[[de:Marshallinseln]]
[[dv:މާޝަލް ޖަޒީރާ]]
[[mh:Majõl]]
[[et:Marshalli Saared]]
[[el:Νήσοι Μάρσαλ]]
[[es:Islas Marshall]]
[[eo:Marŝala Insularo]]
[[eu:Marshall Uharteak]]
[[fa:جزایر مارشال]]
[[fr:Îles Marshall]]
[[ga:Oileáin Marshall]]
[[gv:Ny h-Ellanyn Varshyl]]
[[gd:Na h-Eileanan Mharshall]]
[[gl:Illas Marshall - Marshall Islands]]
[[ko:마셜 제도]]
[[hr:Maršalovi Otoci]]
[[io:Marshall Insuli]]
[[bpy:মার্শাল দ্বীপমালা]]
[[id:Kepulauan Marshall]]
[[os:Маршаллы сакъадæхтæ]]
[[is:Marshalleyjar]]
[[it:Isole Marshall]]
[[he:איי מרשל]]
[[jv:Kapuloan Marshall]]
[[pam:Marshall Islands]]
[[kk:Маршалл Аралдары Республикасы]]
[[kn:ಮಾರ್ಶಲ್ ದ್ವೀಪಗಳು]]
[[kw:Ynysow Marshall]]
[[sw:Visiwa vya Marshall]]
[[ht:Machal]]
[[ku:Giravên Marşal]]
[[la:Insulae Marsalienses]]
[[lv:Māršala Salas]]
[[lt:Maršalo salos]]
[[lij:Isoe Marshall]]
[[hu:Marshall-szigetek]]
[[ms:Kepulauan Marshall]]
[[mn:Маршаллын арлууд]]
[[nah:Marxal Tlālhuāctli]]
[[nl:Marshalleilanden]]
[[ja:マーシャル諸島]]
[[no:Marshalløyene]]
[[nn:Marshalløyane]]
[[oc:Illas Marshall]]
[[uz:Marshall Orollari]]
[[ps:مارشال ټاپوان]]
[[nds:Marshallinseln]]
[[pl:Wyspy Marshalla]]
[[pt:Ilhas Marshall]]
[[crh:Marşall Adaları]]
[[ro:Insulele Marshall]]
[[qu:Marshall Wat'akuna]]
[[ru:Маршалловы Острова]]
[[se:Marshallsullot]]
[[sq:Ishujt Marshall]]
[[scn:Ìsuli Marshall]]
[[simple:Marshall Islands]]
[[sk:Marshallove ostrovy]]
[[sl:Marshallovi otoki]]
[[sr:Маршалска Острва]]
[[sh:Maršalovi Otoci]]
[[fi:Marshallinsaaret]]
[[sv:Marshallöarna]]
[[tl:Kapuluang Marshall]]
[[ta:மார்சல் தீவுகள்]]
[[th:สาธารณรัฐหมู่เกาะมาร์แชลล์]]
[[vi:Quần đảo Marshall]]
[[tg:Ҷазираҳои Маршал]]
[[tpi:Ol Masol Ailan]]
[[tr:Marşal Adaları]]
[[uk:Маршаллові Острови]]
[[ur:جزائر مارشل]]
[[vo:Marjaluäns]]
[[diq:Adey Marşali]]
[[bat-smg:Maršala Saluos]]
[[zh:馬紹爾群島]]