Geography

Physical geography

The Republic of the Marshall Islands consists of two archipelagos of 29 atolls and five low coral islands. There are two island chains, the eastern Ratak (Sunrise) and western Ralik (Sunset), which lie about 200 kilometres apart. They are roughly halfway between Australia and Hawaii.

The total land area of the Marshall Islands is only 180 square kilometres, but the country has an exclusive economic zone of more than 1.2 million square kilometres of ocean. There is little fertile topsoil and no rivers, but there is extensive marine life in the reefs and lagoons of the atoll and sandy islands. The highest point is a small hill of 10 metres on Likiep Island, but the average height above sea level is 2 metres.

Climate

The tropical climate means it is hot and humid for most of the year, but it is wet and slightly cooler between May and November. In the capital, Majuro, the average daily temperature is 27 °C. Mild trade winds and tropical showers occur daily, but tropical storms and typhoons are rare.

Environment

The Marshall Islands are rich in marine life, with their surrounding waters providing a habitat for hundreds of species of coral, reef fish and all five of the world’s marine turtles species. Whales, dolphins and porpoises also visit the islands’ warm waters. Some 70 bird species have been identified, including over 30 species of sea birds. The Polynesian rat is the only mammal native to the islands, which are also home to half-a-dozen species of lizards and one species of blind snake. Coconut land crabs are common.

There is concern about the human impact on the environment through over-fishing, pollution from household waste and discharges from fishing vessels.

The Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site was used by the USA for nuclear testing following World War 2. It has World Heritage listing as a symbol of the emergence of the nuclear age.

Population

Only 19 atolls and four islands are inhabited. Of the 52,555 people, 71% live in the urban centres of Majuro and Ebeye. The outer islands are sparsely populated due to a lack of economic development and employment opportunities.

People

Culture and identity

The Marshallese are Micronesian. There is a complex social structure of clans and matrilineal land ownership, in which land is inherited from a person’s mother. A child’s first birthday is celebrated with large family gatherings, feasting and song.

The Marshallese retain many of their pre-colonial crafts and traditions, especially on the outer islands.

Health

High population growth and crowded conditions in urban areas have aided the spread of diseases such as tuberculosis. The reliance on imported, Western food has brought about a rise in levels of adult obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Most of the population have access to safe water (94%) and 76% have safe sanitation facilities. The infant mortality rate is 21 for every 1,000 live births.

Religion and beliefs

Colonists introduced Christianity to the Marshallese. Sundays are a day for church attendance, family gatherings and relaxation.

Food and shelter

Fish and other seafood are the main sources of protein. Breadfruit, coconut, arrowroot, yams, taro and pumpkins are the traditional vegetables. Imported processed food has become increasingly common.

Houses range from those built using available thatch to those of cement with a tin roof.

Economy

Wealth and poverty

Like many small, remote countries, the Marshall Islands are heavily dependent on developmental assistance, predominantly from the USA. Those employed in major cities have access to more material goods than those living subsistence lifestyles on the outer islands.

Education and work

Most children aged over six receive a primary education in a bilingual/bicultural curriculum. English is introduced in the fourth grade. Approximately 90% of those who complete primary school continue to secondary school.

Most people are subsistence farmers or fisherfolk. Government service industries employ 73% of the labour force, industries employ 16% and agriculture employs 11% of the workforce.

Industries and products

The main agricultural products are coconuts, tomatoes, melons, taro and breadfruit. Pigs and chickens are reared. Industries include copra (dried coconut meat), fish processing and tourism, as well as craft items fashioned from shell, wood and pearls.

Trade

Copra, coconut oil, handicrafts and fish are mainly exported to the USA, Japan, Australia and China.

Processed foods, machinery and equipment, fuels, beverages and tobacco are imported from the USA, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Fiji, China and the Philippines.

Government

The Republic of the Marshall Islands is an independent country under a Compact of Free Association with the USA. The parliament (Nitijela) is made up of 33 members who are elected by the people every four years. With no formal political parties, the parliament elects the president and cabinet. The current president, Christopher Loeak, was elected in January 2012.

Achievements and challenges

Economic development is constrained by the country’s isolation, limited land, a small private sector and a lack of skilled workers. The influence of Western food and culture is leading to health problems.

There is a real concern that rising sea levels from climate change will render much of the Marshall Islands uninhabitable.

There has been pressure on the Marshallese Government to reduce its heavy dependence on development assistance, but drought, a drop in construction, the decline in tourism and foreign investment, and a reduction in income from the renewal of fishing vessel licences have held GDP growth to an average of less than 1% over the past five years.

Under the Amended Compact of Free Association (2004), the USA provides economic grant assistance to the Marshall Islands and contributes to a trust fund that will provide income after 2024.

The government is currently implementing its Vision 28 plan for strategic development. It has many focus areas, some of which include improved infrastructure, environment, human resources development and tourism.

Links with Australia

Australian exports meat, lighting fixtures, heating and cooling parts and alcohol to Marshall Islands. It imports electric parts, clothing and seafood.

The Australian Aid program focuses on water and sanitation and developing affordable, accessible and sustainable energy. Under the Defence Cooperation Program, Australia provides ongoing funding for the Pacific Patrol Boat Program.