Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook

Marshall Islands

MH / MHLoceania
CapitalMajuro
Population36,282
GDP$308.0m
Area181 km²
RegionEast Asia & Pacific
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am

Country facts

CapitalMajuro
Area181 km²
CurrencyUnited States dollar (USD), SOV
Official language(s)English, Marshallese
Calling code+692
RegionEast Asia & Pacific
Income levelUpper middle income
Time zoneUTC+12:00, Pacific/Kwajalein, Pacific/Majuro

Overview

Population36,2822025 · Verified
UN Population Division population estimate35,0752026 · Estimated
GDP (current US$)$308,000,0002025 · Verified
GDP per capita (current US$)$8,4892025 · Verified
GDP growth2.3%2025 · Verified

Background

Humans arrived in the Marshall Islands in the first millennium B.C. and gradually created permanent settlements on the various atolls. The early inhabitants were skilled navigators who frequently traveled between atolls using stick charts to map the islands. Society became organized under two paramount chiefs, one each for the Ratak (Sunrise) Chain and the Ralik (Sunset) Chain. Spain formally claimed the islands in 1592. Germany established a supply station on Jaluit Atoll and bought the islands from Spain in 1884, although paramount chiefs continued to rule. 
Japan seized the Marshall Islands in 1914 and was granted a League of Nations Mandate to administer the islands in 1920. The US captured the islands in heavy fighting during World War II, and the islands came under US administration as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI) in 1947. Between 1946 and 1958, the US resettled populations from Bikini and Enewetak Atolls and conducted 67 nuclear tests; people from Ailinginae, Rongelap, and Utrik Atolls were also evacuated because of nuclear fallout, and Bikini and Rongelap remain largely uninhabited. In 1979, the Marshall Islands drafted a constitution separate from the rest of the TTPI and declared independence under President Amata KABUA, a paramount chief. In 2000, Kessai NOTE became the first commoner elected president. In 2016, Hilda HEINE was the first woman elected president.
Reference: 2016, 2000, 1979, 1958

Geography

Latitude7.1105°current · Verified
Longitude171.1350°current · Verified

Location

Oceania, consists of 29 atolls and five isolated islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia; the atolls and islands are situated in two, almost-parallel island chains - the Ratak (Sunrise) group and the Ralik (Sunset) group; the total number of islands and islets is about 1,225; 22 of the atolls and four of the islands are uninhabited

Map references

Oceania

Area

total: 181 sq km
land: 181 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: note: the archipelago includes 11,673 sq km (4,507 sq mi) of lagoon and encompasses the atolls of Bikini, Enewetak, Kwajalein, Majuro, Rongelap, and Utirik

Area - comparative

about the size of Washington, D.C.

Land boundaries

total: 0 km

Coastline

370.4 km

Maritime claims

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate

tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November; islands border typhoon belt

Terrain

low coral limestone and sand islands

Elevation

highest point: East-central Airik Island, Maloelap Atoll 14 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 2 m

Natural resources

coconut products, marine products, deep seabed minerals

Land use

agricultural land: 38.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 2.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 36.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 0% (2022 est.)
forest: 53.9% (2023 est.)
other: 7.2% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2022

Irrigated land

0 sq km (2022)
Reference: 2022

Population distribution

most people live in urban clusters on many of the country's islands; more than two thirds of the population lives on the atolls of Majuro and Ebeye

Natural hazards

infrequent typhoons

Geography - note

Kwajalein atoll surrounds the world's largest lagoon; the island city of Ebeye is the second largest settlement in the Marshall Islands, after the capital of Majuro, and one of the most densely populated locations in the Pacific

Population & Society

Population36,2822025 · Verified
UN Population Division population estimate35,0752026 · Estimated
Fertility rate2.92024 · Verified
Urban population79.1%2025 · Verified

Nationality

noun: Marshallese (singular and plural)
adjective: Marshallese

Ethnic groups

Marshallese 95.6%, Filipino 1.1%, other 3.3% (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021

Languages

Languages: Marshallese (official) 98.2%, other languages 1.8% (1999)
major-language sample(s): Bok eo an Lalin kin Melele ko Rejimwe ej jikin ebōk melele ko raurōk. (Marshallese)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: note: English (official), widely spoken as a second language
Reference: 1999

Religions

Protestant 79.3% (United Church of Christ 47.9%, Assembly of God 14.1%, Full Gospel 5%, Bukot Nan Jesus 3%, Salvation Army 2.3%, Reformed Congressional Church 2.2%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.7%, New Beginning Church 1.4%, other Protestant 1.6%), Roman Catholic 9.3%, Church of Jesus Christ 5.7%, Jehovah's Witness 1.3%, other 3.3%, none 1.1% (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021

Age structure

0-14 years: 30% (male 12,538/female 12,072)
15-64 years: 64.3% (male 26,750/female 25,944)
65 years and over: 5.7% (2024 est.) (male 2,293/female 2,414)
Reference: 2024

Dependency ratios

total dependency ratio: 55.6 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 46.7 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 8.9 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 11.2 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024

Median age

total: 25.5 years (2024 est.)
male: 25.4 years
female: 25.6 years
Reference: 2024

Population growth rate

1.26% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024

Birth rate

21.2 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024

Death rate

4.3 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024

Population distribution

most people live in urban clusters on many of the country's islands; more than two thirds of the population lives on the atolls of Majuro and Ebeye

Major urban areas - population

31,000 MAJURO (capital) (2018)
Reference: 2018

Sex ratio

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.95 male(s)/female
total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024

Maternal mortality ratio

155 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023

Gross reproduction rate

1.3 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024

Drinking water source

improved: urban: urban: 84.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 87.2% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 85.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 15.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 12.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 14.9% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022

Health expenditure

Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 12.5% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 6.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021

Physician density

0.47 physicians/1,000 population (2012)
Reference: 2012

Sanitation facility access

improved: urban: urban: 92.8% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 70.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 88% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 7.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 29.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 12% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

52.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016

Tobacco use

total: 30.9% (2025 est.)
male: 52.9% (2025 est.)
female: 8.5% (2025 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

11.9% (2017 est.)
Reference: 2017

Currently married women (ages 15-49)

68.3% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

total: 14 years (2022 est.)
male: 14 years (2022 est.)
female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022

Migration & Displacement

Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.

International migrant stock (immigrants)3,3092024 · Verified
International migrant stock8.8%2024 · Verified
International emigrant stock4002024 · Estimated
Net migration-1,6982025 · Verified
Refugees from this country02025 · Verified
Asylum seekers from this country162025 · Verified

Refugees and internally displaced persons

IDPs: 35 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024

Government & Politics

OfficeHolderAffiliationFromStatusEvidence
Head of stateHilda Heine2024-01-03CurrentReported
Head of governmentHilda Heine2024-01-03CurrentReported

Country name

conventional long form: Republic of the Marshall Islands
conventional short form: Marshall Islands
local long form: Republic of the Marshall Islands
local short form: Marshall Islands
former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Marshall Islands District
abbreviation: RMI
etymology: named after British Captain John MARSHALL, who charted many of the islands in 1788

Government type

mixed presidential-parliamentary system in free association with the US

Capital

name: Majuro
geographic coordinates: 7 06 N, 171 23 E
time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: Majuro means "two openings" or "two eyes" and refers to the two major passages through the atoll into the Majuro lagoon
note: note: the capital is an atoll of 64 islands; governmental buildings are housed on three fused islands on the eastern side of the atoll: Djarrit, Uliga, and Delap

Administrative divisions

24 municipalities; Ailinglaplap, Ailuk, Arno, Aur, Bikini & Kili, Ebon, Enewetak & Ujelang, Jabat, Jaluit, Kwajalein, Lae, Lib, Likiep, Majuro, Maloelap, Mejit, Mili, Namorik, Namu, Rongelap, Ujae, Utrik, Wotho, Wotje

Legal system

mixed system of US and English common law, customary law, and local statutes

Constitution

history: effective 1 May 1979
amendment process: proposed by the National Parliament or by a constitutional convention; passage by Parliament requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the total membership in each of two readings and approval by a majority of votes in a referendum; amendments submitted by a constitutional convention require approval of at least two thirds of votes in a referendum
Reference: 1979

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Citizenship

citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of the Marshall Islands
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch

chief of state: President Hilda C. HEINE (since 3 January 2023)
head of government: President Hilda C. HEINE (since 3 January 2023)
cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the president from among members of the Nitijela, appointed by Nitijela speaker
election/appointment process: president indirectly elected by the Nitijela from among its members for a 4-year term (no term limits)
most recent election date: 2 January 2023
election results: 2023: Hilda C. HEINE elected president; National Parliament vote - Hilda C. HEINE (independent) 17, David KABUA (independent) 16
2020: David KABUA elected president; National Parliament vote - David KABUA (independent) 20, Hilda C. HEINE (independent) 12
expected date of next election: 2027
note: note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Reference: 2027, 2023, 2020

Legislative branch

legislature name: Parliament (Nitijela)
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 33 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 11/20/2023
percentage of women in chamber: 12.1%
expected date of next election: November 2027
note: note: the Council of Iroij is a 12-member consultative group of tribal leaders that advises the Presidential Cabinet and reviews legislation affecting customary law or any traditional practice 
Reference: 2027, 2023

Judicial branch

highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 2 associate justices)
judge selection and term of office: judges appointed by the Cabinet on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission (consists of the chief justice of the High Court, the attorney general and a private citizen selected by the Cabinet) and upon approval of the Nitijela; the current chief justice, appointed in 2013, serves for 10 years; Marshallese citizens appointed as justices serve until retirement at age 72
subordinate courts: High Court; District Courts; Traditional Rights Court; Community Courts
Reference: 2013

Political parties

traditionally there have been no formally organized political parties; what has existed more closely resembles factions or interest groups because they do not have party headquarters, formal platforms, or party structures

Diplomatic representation in the US

chief of mission: Ambassador Charles Rudolph PAUL (since 27 February 2024)
chancery: 2433 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 234-5414
FAX: [1] (202) 232-3236
email address and website: info@rmiembassyus.org
consulate(s) general: Honolulu, Springdale (AR)
Reference: 2024

Diplomatic representation from the US

chief of mission: Ambassador Laura M. STONE (since 12 July 2024)
embassy: Mejen Weto, Ocean Side, Majuro
mailing address: 4380 Majuro Place, Washington DC  20521-4380
telephone: [692] 247-4011
FAX: [692] 247-4012
email address and website: MAJConsular@state.gov
https://mh.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2024

International organization participation

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHRC, WHO

Independence

21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)
Reference: 1986

National holiday

Constitution Day, 1 May (1979)
Reference: 1979

Flag

description: blue with an orange stripe and a white stripe radiating from the lower-left corner to the upper-right corner; a white star with four large rays and 20 small rays appears on the left side above the two stripes
meaning: blue stands for the Pacific Ocean, orange for the Ralik Chain (or sunset and courage), and white for the Ratak Chain (or sunrise and peace); the star symbolizes the Christian cross, with a small ray for each electoral district and a larger ray for the principal cultural centers of Majuro, Jaluit, Wotje, and Ebeye; the diagonal stripes can also be interpreted as representing the equator, with the star showing the archipelago's position

National symbol(s)

a 24-rayed star

National color(s)

blue, white, orange

National anthem(s)

title: "Forever Marshall Islands"
lyrics/music: Amata KABUA
history: adopted 1981; words and music written by the first president of the Marshall Islands
Reference: 1981

National heritage

total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site

Legislature & Elections

Legislature

NameChamberSeatsElectoral system
Legislature of the Marshall Islands33

Economy

GDP (current US$)$308,000,0002025 · Verified
GDP per capita (current US$)$8,4892025 · Verified
GDP growth2.3%2025 · Verified
Income levelUpper middle incomecurrent · Verified

Economic overview

upper middle-income Pacific island economy; US aid reliance; large public sector; coconut oil production as diesel fuel substitute; growing offshore banking locale; fishing rights seller; import-dependent

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $270.809 million (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $263.507 million (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $274.3 million (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021

Real GDP per capita

Real GDP per capita 2024: $7,200 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $6,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $6,800 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 6.2% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2021: 2.6% (2021 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2020: -0.7% (2020 est.)
note: note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

agriculture: 19.5% (2023 est.)
industry: 11.1% (2023 est.)
services: 70.5% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2023

GDP - composition, by end use

household consumption: 70.7% (2023 est.)
government consumption: 53.5% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 20.2% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: -0.5% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 38.9% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -71.2% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2023

Agricultural products

coconuts (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023

Industries

copra, tuna processing, tourism, craft items (from seashells, wood, and pearls)

Industrial production growth rate

-2.8% (2023 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2023

Population below poverty line

7.2% (2019 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2019

Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income

Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2019: 35.5 (2019 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2019

Household income or consumption by percentage share

lowest 10%: 2.8% (2019 est.)
highest 10%: 27.5% (2019 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2019

Remittances

Remittances 2023: 13.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 13.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 13.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021

Budget

revenues: $171.267 million (2020 est.)
expenditures: $159.095 million (2020 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2020

Public debt

Public debt 2019: 41.6% of GDP (2019 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2019

Taxes and other revenues

17.2% (of GDP) (2020 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2020

Current account balance

Current account balance 2021: $76.263 million (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2020: $90.281 million (2020 est.)
Current account balance 2019: $86.133 million (2019 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2021, 2020, 2019

Exports

Exports 2021: $130.016 million (2021 est.)
Exports 2020: $88.042 million (2020 est.)
Exports 2019: $91.394 million (2019 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2021, 2020, 2019

Exports - partners

UK 16%, Germany 13%, Denmark 10%, Ghana 9%, Cyprus 9% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023

Exports - commodities

ships, refined petroleum, fish, natural gas, stone processing machines (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023

Imports

Imports 2021: $206.025 million (2021 est.)
Imports 2020: $132.845 million (2020 est.)
Imports 2019: $129.682 million (2019 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2021, 2020, 2019

Imports - partners

China 47%, Japan 15%, Germany 5%, Brazil 4%, Cyprus 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023

Imports - commodities

ships, refined petroleum, additive manufacturing machines, iron structures, crude petroleum (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023

Exchange rates

the US dollar is used

Trade

Exports of goods and services36.0%2025 · Verified
Imports of goods and services79.9%2025 · Verified
Trade115.9%2025 · Verified

Current account balance

Current account balance 2021: $76.263 million (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2020: $90.281 million (2020 est.)
Current account balance 2019: $86.133 million (2019 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2021, 2020, 2019

Exports

Exports 2021: $130.016 million (2021 est.)
Exports 2020: $88.042 million (2020 est.)
Exports 2019: $91.394 million (2019 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2021, 2020, 2019

Exports - partners

UK 16%, Germany 13%, Denmark 10%, Ghana 9%, Cyprus 9% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023

Exports - commodities

ships, refined petroleum, fish, natural gas, stone processing machines (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023

Imports

Imports 2021: $206.025 million (2021 est.)
Imports 2020: $132.845 million (2020 est.)
Imports 2019: $129.682 million (2019 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2021, 2020, 2019

Imports - partners

China 47%, Japan 15%, Germany 5%, Brazil 4%, Cyprus 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023

Imports - commodities

ships, refined petroleum, additive manufacturing machines, iron structures, crude petroleum (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023

Energy & Resources

Access to electricity97.2%2024 · Verified
Renewable energy consumption12.2%2022 · Verified

Infrastructure

Access to electricity97.2%2024 · Verified
Fixed broadband subscriptions2.4 per 1002022 · Verified
Mobile cellular subscriptions39.7 per 1002022 · Verified

Telephones - fixed lines

total subscriptions: 2,000 (2014 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 5 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2014

Health

Life expectancy at birth67.1 years2024 · Verified
Current health expenditure13.4%2023 · Verified
Infant mortality rate22.7 per 1,0002024 · Verified

Maternal mortality ratio

155 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023

Health expenditure

Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 12.5% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 6.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021

Physician density

0.47 physicians/1,000 population (2012)
Reference: 2012

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

52.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016

Tobacco use

total: 30.9% (2025 est.)
male: 52.9% (2025 est.)
female: 8.5% (2025 est.)

Education

Adult literacy rate95.8%2021 · Verified
Secondary school enrolment, gross85.8%2024 · Verified
Government education expenditure7.7%2022 · Verified

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

total: 14 years (2022 est.)
male: 14 years (2022 est.)
female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022

Rights, Freedoms & Society

LGBTQ+ Rights & Law

Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.

Same-sex sexual activityYes Legal since 2005; + UN decl. sign.Reported
Recognition of same-sex relationshipsNoReported
Same-sex marriageNoReported
Same-sex adoptionNoReported
Open military serviceHas no militaryReported
Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination lawYes Bans all anti-gay discriminationReported

Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.

Crime & Justice

Legal system

mixed system of US and English common law, customary law, and local statutes

Judicial branch

highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 2 associate justices)
judge selection and term of office: judges appointed by the Cabinet on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission (consists of the chief justice of the High Court, the attorney general and a private citizen selected by the Cabinet) and upon approval of the Nitijela; the current chief justice, appointed in 2013, serves for 10 years; Marshallese citizens appointed as justices serve until retirement at age 72
subordinate courts: High Court; District Courts; Traditional Rights Court; Community Courts
Reference: 2013

Military & Security

Military and security forces

no regular military forces; Marshall Islands Police Department (includes a Sea Patrol Division) (2025)

Military - note

defense is the responsibility of the US; in 1982, the Marshall Islands signed a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the US, which granted the Marshall Islands financial assistance and access to many US domestic programs in exchange for exclusive US military access and defense responsibilities; the COFA entered into force in 1986; the Marshall Islands hosts a US Army missile test site 
the Marshall Islands has a "shiprider" agreement with the US, which allows local maritime law enforcement officers to embark on US Coast Guard (USCG) and US Navy (USN) vessels, including to board and search vessels suspected of violating laws or regulations within its designated exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or on the high seas; "shiprider" agreements also enable USCG personnel and USN vessels with embarked USCG law enforcement personnel to work with host nations to protect critical regional resources (2025)
Reference: 2025, 1986, 1982

International Relations

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic representation in the US

chief of mission: Ambassador Charles Rudolph PAUL (since 27 February 2024)
chancery: 2433 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 234-5414
FAX: [1] (202) 232-3236
email address and website: info@rmiembassyus.org
consulate(s) general: Honolulu, Springdale (AR)
Reference: 2024

Diplomatic representation from the US

chief of mission: Ambassador Laura M. STONE (since 12 July 2024)
embassy: Mejen Weto, Ocean Side, Majuro
mailing address: 4380 Majuro Place, Washington DC  20521-4380
telephone: [692] 247-4011
FAX: [692] 247-4012
email address and website: MAJConsular@state.gov
https://mh.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2024

International organization participation

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHRC, WHO

Treaties & Organisations

OrganisationStatusJoined
United Nations (UN)member1991-09-17

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHRC, WHO

Conflict & Security

Refugees and internally displaced persons

IDPs: 35 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024

Transportation & Logistics

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

V7

Airports

33 (2025)

Merchant marine

total: 4,180 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 1,939, container ship 277, general cargo 66, oil tanker 1039, other 859
Reference: 2023

Ports

total ports: 3 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 0
very small: 3
ports with oil terminals: 2
key ports: Enitwetak Island, Kwajalein, Majuro Atoll
Reference: 2024

Environment

Forest area52.2%2023 · Verified
Renewable energy consumption12.2%2022 · Verified

Environmental issues

inadequate potable water; pollution of Majuro lagoon from household waste and discharges from fishing vessels; sea-level rise

International environmental agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Climate

tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November; islands border typhoon belt

Land use

agricultural land: 38.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 2.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 36.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 0% (2022 est.)
forest: 53.9% (2023 est.)
other: 7.2% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2022

Urbanization

urban population: 78.9% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.61% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020

Carbon dioxide emissions

293,700 metric tonnes of CO2 (2017 est.)
Reference: 2017

Particulate matter emissions

7.2 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019

Waste and recycling

municipal solid waste generated annually: 8,600 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 39.7% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022

Communications & Media

Individuals using the Internet65.9%2024 · Verified
Mobile cellular subscriptions39.7 per 1002022 · Verified
Fixed broadband subscriptions2.4 per 1002022 · Verified
Secure Internet servers213 per million2024 · Verified

Telephones - fixed lines

total subscriptions: 2,000 (2014 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 5 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2014

Broadcast media

no TV broadcast station; a cable network is available on Majuro with programming via videotape replay and satellite relays; 4 radio broadcast stations; US Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) provides satellite radio and TV service to Kwajalein Atoll (2019)
Reference: 2019

Internet country code

.mh

Historical Trends

Population

Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.

View Population data table
PeriodValueSource
201647,709world_bank_wdi
201746,529world_bank_wdi
201845,285world_bank_wdi
201944,007world_bank_wdi
202042,706world_bank_wdi
202141,367world_bank_wdi
202240,077world_bank_wdi
202338,827world_bank_wdi
202437,548world_bank_wdi
202536,282world_bank_wdi

GDP (current US$)

Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.

View GDP (current US$) data table
PeriodValueSource
2016$201,800,000world_bank_wdi
2017$213,700,000world_bank_wdi
2018$220,000,000world_bank_wdi
2019$232,900,000world_bank_wdi
2020$241,800,000world_bank_wdi
2021$261,245,500world_bank_wdi
2022$258,723,500world_bank_wdi
2023$264,000,000world_bank_wdi
2024$285,000,000world_bank_wdi
2025$308,000,000world_bank_wdi

International migrant stock (immigrants)

Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.

View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
PeriodValueSource
20203,298world_bank_wdi
20243,309world_bank_wdi

International emigrant stock

Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.

View International emigrant stock data table
PeriodValueSource
1990314un_migrant_stock_2024
1995385un_migrant_stock_2024
2000468un_migrant_stock_2024
2005435un_migrant_stock_2024
2010379un_migrant_stock_2024
2015379un_migrant_stock_2024
2020387un_migrant_stock_2024
2024400un_migrant_stock_2024

Net migration

Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.

View Net migration data table
PeriodValueSource
2016-2,003world_bank_wdi
2017-2,040world_bank_wdi
2018-2,058world_bank_wdi
2019-2,030world_bank_wdi
2020-2,004world_bank_wdi
2021-2,016world_bank_wdi
2022-1,829world_bank_wdi
2023-1,832world_bank_wdi
2024-1,765world_bank_wdi
2025-1,698world_bank_wdi

Sources & Methodology

Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.

IndicatorValuePeriodSourceStatus
Population36,2822025World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
UN Population Division population estimate35,0752026UN Population Division Data PortalEstimated
Wikidata population (fallback)53,1272017WikidataReported
International migrant stock (immigrants)3,3092024World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
International migrant stock8.8%2024World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
International emigrant stock4002024UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024Estimated
Net migration-1,6982025World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
Refugees from this country02025World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
Asylum seekers from this country162025World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
Same-sex sexual activityYes Legal since 2005; + UN decl. sign.currentWikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territoryReported
Recognition of same-sex relationshipsNocurrentWikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territoryReported
Same-sex marriageNocurrentWikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territoryReported
Same-sex adoptionNocurrentWikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territoryReported
Open military serviceHas no militarycurrentWikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territoryReported
Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination lawYes Bans all anti-gay discriminationcurrentWikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territoryReported
GDP (current US$)$308,000,0002025World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
GDP per capita (current US$)$8,4892025World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
GDP growth2.3%2025World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
Income levelUpper middle incomecurrentWorld Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
Life expectancy at birth67.1 years2024World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
Fertility rate2.92024World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
Urban population79.1%2025World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
Individuals using the Internet65.9%2024World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
Exports of goods and services36.0%2025World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
Imports of goods and services79.9%2025World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
Trade115.9%2025World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
Adult literacy rate95.8%2021World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
Secondary school enrolment, gross85.8%2024World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
Government education expenditure7.7%2022World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
Access to electricity97.2%2024World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
Renewable energy consumption12.2%2022World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
Current health expenditure13.4%2023World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
Infant mortality rate22.7 per 1,0002024World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
Forest area52.2%2023World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
Mobile cellular subscriptions39.7 per 1002022World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
Fixed broadband subscriptions2.4 per 1002022World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
Secure Internet servers213 per million2024World Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
Latitude7.1105°currentWorld Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
Longitude171.1350°currentWorld Bank — World Development IndicatorsVerified
Latitude (Wikidata)9.8200°currentWikidataReported
Longitude (Wikidata)169.2900°currentWikidataReported
Time zoneUTC+12:00, Pacific/Kwajalein, Pacific/MajurocurrentWikidataReported

Data attribution

Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.

  • CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
  • United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
  • United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
  • Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: availability) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
  • Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
  • Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
  • World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence

Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.

Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:29