Marshall Islands Key Facts

Location

Western Pacific Ocean.

Time

GMT + 12.

Area

181.4 sq km (70 sq miles).

Population

61,815 (CIA 2007).

Population Density

298 per sq km.

Capital

Majuro. Population: 25,000 (UN estimate 2003).

Geography

The Marshall Islands consist of two almost parallel chains of atolls and islands, which lie west of the International Date Line. Majuro Atoll is 2,285km (1,428 miles) west of Honolulu, 1,624km (1,015 miles) east of Guam and 2,624km (1,641 miles) southeast of Tokyo. The eastern Ratak (Sunrise) Chain consists of 15 atolls and islands, and the western Ralik (Sunset) Chain consists of 16 atolls and islands. Together these two chains comprise 1,152 islands and islets dispersed over more than 1,900,000 sq km (500,000 sq miles) of the central Pacific.

Government

Republic since 1990. Gained self-governing status (in free association with the USA) in 1986.

Head of State

President Iroij Jurelang Zedkaia, since 2009.

Recent History

President Litokwa Tomeing was elected in January 2008, replacing Kessai Note who served two terms since 2000.

Iroij Jurelang Zedkaia of Majuro Atoll, was sworn in as the Fifth President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands in November 2009 after Litokwa Tomeing was ousted in a vote of no-confidence.

Language

Marshallese and English are the official languages.

Religion

Christian, mostly Protestant.

Electricity

110 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs are USA two-pin style.

Social Conventions

Informal dress is usual for both business and social occasions. Scanty clothing (including topless bathing) is considered offensive. Use of islands, paths, beaches etc may require permission in many areas; it is best to check locally.
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