Marshall Islands

c. 2000 BCE – Polynesians settle in the Marshall Islands, bringing advanced navigation techniques

1526 (August 25, Friday) – Spanish exploration of the islands by Diego de Lemos

1788 (July 6, Sunday) – British exploration of the islands by Captain William Bligh of the HMS Bounty

1885 (October 1, Thursday) – German protectorate established over the islands

1914 (August 4, Tuesday) – Japanese occupation of the islands following World War I

1944 (February 1, Tuesday) – Battle of Kwajalein Atoll during World War II, US forces capture the atoll from Japan

1947 (July 18, Friday) – United Nations trusteeship placed under US administration

1979 (May 1, Tuesday) – Republic of the Marshall Islands becomes independent from the US

1986 (October 21, Tuesday) – Compact of Free Association with the United States established, providing financial aid

1996 (May 9, Thursday) – Bikini Atoll still contaminated from nuclear tests, environmental challenges remain

2004 (November 25, Thursday) – Severe drought across the islands leads to water scarcity

2014 (November 5, Wednesday) – Typhoon Nari impacts the islands with heavy rain and winds

2020 (April 23, Thursday) – COVID-19 pandemic affects tourism and public health

2022 (December 10, Saturday) – Flooding and coastal erosion from rising sea levels impact low-lying areas

Continent: Oceania
Location: Central Pacific Ocean, slightly north of the equator
Capital: Majuro
Language: Marshallese, English (both official languages)
Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
Population: ~60,000 (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Marshall Islands Time (MIST, UTC+12)

Borders: None (an island nation)
Landscape: Atolls, coral islands, lagoons, reefs
Major Rivers: None (island nation with no major rivers)
Major Mountains: None (highest point is 33 meters)
Deserts: None
Lakes: None
Volcanoes: None
Highest Point: Likiep Atoll – 33 meters (108 feet)
Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean (0 m)
Climate: Tropical marine climate – hot, humid, with a wet season (May to November)
Geological Features: Coral reefs, atolls, lagoon systems, volcanic rock remnants

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Marshallese
Religion: Predominantly Protestant (about 70%), Catholic (about 30%)
Urban Population: ~70% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~4% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Traditional navigation, canoeing, Polynesian heritage, nuclear test history
Cuisine: Fish (particularly tuna), coconut, breadfruit, taro, rice, and local fruits
Arts: Traditional music, dance (such as the traditional “jabbō” dance), storytelling
Sports: Baseball, basketball, volleyball, traditional canoe races

Economy Type: Small island economy, reliant on aid, remittances, and fishing
GDP: Approx. $250 million USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Fishing, subsistence agriculture, tourism, aid-dependent
Key Exports: Fish (tuna), copra (dried coconut meat), handicrafts
Unemployment Rate: ~23% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Heavy reliance on imports, the public sector, and foreign assistance

Government Type: Presidential republic, with a parliamentary system
Head of State: President David Kabua (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: President David Kabua (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral (Nitijela – 33 members)
Constitution: In effect since 1979, following independence from the United States

Majuro: Capital city, beaches, and lagoon snorkeling
Kwajalein Atoll: US military base and recreation area
Mili Atoll: Famous for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear water
Bikini Atoll: Former site of nuclear testing (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Enewetak Atoll: Another site of nuclear testing, with historical significance