Country exposure · MH
Marshall Islands
Australia Oceania · Majuro · mixed presidential-parliamentary system in free association with the US
What Marshall Islands means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.
$17M
U.S. imports, 2025
-15.7%
change in one year
$263M
U.S. exports, 2025
82K
Population
$280M
GDP
In your house
What you buy that Marshall Islands makes
America bought $17M in goods from Marshall Islands in 2025 — down 15.7% in a single year. Of every $100 of it, here's where the money went.
Fish and shellfish
fish, shrimp, shellfish
$12M70.6%
U.s. goods returned, and reimports
$2M8.9%
Minimum value shipments
$904K5.3%
Other (movies, miscellaneous imports, and special transactions)
$779K4.6%
Computers
laptops, desktops, monitors
$430K2.5%
Furniture, household goods, etc.
furniture, mattresses, lamps
$291K1.7%
Steelmaking materials
$257K1.5%
Camping apparel and gear
camping gear and outdoor apparel
$238K1.4%
Shingles, wallboard
$147K0.9%
Computer accessories
keyboards, drives, computer parts
$114K0.7%
2026 so far (through April): $4M in imports. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade in Goods (customs basis).
The other direction
What America sells to Marshall Islands
$263M in 2025 — a trade rupture cuts both ways, for American producers as well as American prices.
Telecommunications equipment
$116Mphones, routers, networking gear
Civilian aircraft, engines, equipment, and parts
$30MMinimum value shipments
$25MFinished metal shapes
$12MDrilling & oilfield equipment
$11MMeat, poultry, etc.
$8MElectric apparatus
$7MOther foods
$6MGenerators, accessories
$6MWhere you stand
U.S. tariff posture toward Marshall Islands
No U.S. tariff action singles this country out. Its goods face the universal 10% temporary import surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act (which replaced the IEEPA reciprocal baseline in February 2026) plus the sectoral Section 232 duties — steel and aluminum at 50% — that apply to all countries. The Section 122 surcharge is statutorily temporary — scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 (a 150-day cap) unless extended or replaced.
Reciprocal tariff (universal baseline)
10%
The universal 10% floor — a Section 122 import surcharge since February 2026, previously the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — applies to nearly all U.S. imports. This country has no higher assigned rate of its own.
Policy in motion
Tariff status: a moving target
No U.S. tariff action names Marshall Islands. These are the universal measures — applied to every country without a country-specific arrangement — that set its treatment.
2026-04-06
Section 232 metals coverage expanded
In effectThe April 2026 proclamation strengthening Section 232 actions on aluminum, steel, and copper expanded derivative-product coverage for all countries, keeping the general metals rate at 50%.
91 FR 18201 →2026-02-24
IEEPA reciprocal tariffs terminated — replaced by 10% Section 122 surcharge
In effectExecutive Order 14389 (Ending Certain Tariff Actions) terminated the IEEPA tariff duties — including the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — effective February 24, 2026. A flat 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge (Proclamation 11012 of February 20, 2026) replaced them, leaving the universal rate unchanged at 10% on a different statutory basis. Section 122 caps such surcharges at 150 days, so this 10% surcharge is scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 absent further action (the administration has signaled it could raise the rate toward the 15% statutory maximum).
91 FR 9437 →2025-11-13
Agricultural products exempted from reciprocal tariffs
In effectExecutive Order 14360 of November 14, 2025 removed reciprocal duties from certain agricultural products listed in its annexes (coffee, cocoa, bananas, and other goods the U.S. does not produce in sufficient quantity), retroactive to November 13, 2025 — for all countries subject to the reciprocal tariff.
90 FR 54091 →2025-06-04
Section 232 steel and aluminum duties doubled to 50%
In effectThe June 3, 2025 proclamation raised Section 232 duties on steel and aluminum articles and derivatives from 25% to 50% for all countries, effective June 4, 2025.
90 FR 24199 →2025-04-05
Universal 10% reciprocal baseline takes effect
In effectExecutive Order 14257 (signed April 2, 2025) imposed a 10% ad valorem reciprocal duty on imports from all trading partners, effective April 5, 2025. Countries without a higher Annex I rate remain at this baseline.
Federal Register · 2025-06063 →2025-03-12
Section 232 steel and aluminum duties set at 25% for all countries
In effectProclamations of February 10, 2025 terminated all country exemptions and quota arrangements and applied 25% Section 232 duties to steel and aluminum imports from every country, effective March 12, 2025.
90 FR 9817 →
Made for America
What Marshall Islands makes for America
Marshall Islands is a direct U.S. source of 1 essential good Americans rely on — the items themselves, shipped finished off the line.
Reference
The country itself
Australia Oceania · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.
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.
Geography
- 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
- Area
- 181 sq km
- Climate
- tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November; islands border typhoon belt
- Terrain
- low coral limestone and sand islands
- Natural resources
- coconut products, marine products, deep seabed minerals
- Coastline
- 370.4 km
- Natural hazards
- infrequent typhoons
People & society
- Population
- 82,011 (2024 est.)
- Nationality
- Marshallese (singular and plural)
- Ethnic groups
- Marshallese 95.6%, Filipino 1.1%, other 3.3% (2021 est.)
- Languages
- Marshallese (official) 98.2%, other languages 1.8% (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.)
- Median age
- 25.9 years (2025 est.)
- Life expectancy at birth
- 75.2 years (2024 est.)
- Literacy
- 95.8% (2021 est.)
Economy
- 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
- Industries
- copra, tuna processing, tourism, craft items (from seashells, wood, and pearls)
- Agricultural products
- coconuts (2023)
- Exports - partners
- UK 16%, Germany 13%, Denmark 10%, Ghana 9%, Cyprus 9% (2023)
- Imports - partners
- China 47%, Japan 15%, Germany 5%, Brazil 4%, Cyprus 4% (2023)
Government
- Government type
- mixed presidential-parliamentary system in free association with the US
- Capital
- Majuro
- Independence
- 21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)
- Constitution
- effective 1 May 1979
- Executive branch
- President Hilda C. HEINE (since 3 January 2023)
- Legislative branch
- Parliament (Nitijela)
Full reference data
Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.
Introduction
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.
Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens Reconsider Travel to the Marshall Islands due to COVID-19-related restrictions. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required for US citizens.
US Embassy/Consulate
(692) 247-4011; EMER: (692)-455 8213; US Embassy Majuro, Mejen Weto, Ocean Side, Majuro, Marshall Islands; MAJConsular@state.gov; https://mh.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code
692
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 625, 4111; Police: 625, 8666
Vaccinations
Cholera vaccination is required for those travelling from an infected area. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November; islands border typhoon belt
Currency (Code)
US dollar is used (USD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B
Major Languages
Marshallese; note: English, widely spoken as a second language
Major Religions
Protestant 80.5%, Roman Catholic 8.5%, Mormon 7%, Jehovah's Witness 1.7%
Time Difference
UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site; Kwajalein Island; Alele Museum
Major Sports
Soccer, baseball, softball
Cultural Practices
The people of the Marshall Islands emphasize respect for their elders. Codes of respect and deference are important, and often Americans are considered haughty, brash, and irreverent.
Tipping Guidelines
Meals are generally inexpensive so tipping by rounding up is appropriate. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.
Souvenirs
Coconut products, seashells/seashell items; woven handbags, baskets, and carpets; stick-chart sea maps, recreational boats
Traditional Cuisine
Barramundi cod — a whole fresh barramundi cod seasoned and then tightly wrapped within banana leaves and baked
CIA source last updated
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Travel resources
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Geography
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
Geographic coordinates
9 00 N, 168 00 E
Map references
Oceania
Area - total
181 sq km
Area - land
181 sq km
Area - water
0 sq km
Area - 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
Maritime claims - contiguous zone
24 nm
Maritime claims - 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
Elevation - lowest point
Pacific Ocean 0 m
Elevation - mean elevation
2 m
Natural resources
coconut products, marine products, deep seabed minerals
Land use - agricultural land
38.9% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 2.8% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 36.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 0% (2022 est.)
Land use - forest
53.9% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
7.2% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
0 sq km (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
People and Society
Population - total
82,011 (2024 est.)
Population - male
41,581
Population - female
40,430
Nationality - noun
Marshallese (singular and plural)
Nationality - adjective
Marshallese
Ethnic groups
Marshallese 95.6%, Filipino 1.1%, other 3.3% (2021 est.)
Languages - Languages
Marshallese (official) 98.2%, other languages 1.8% (1999)
Languages - 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.
Languages - note
note: English (official), widely spoken as a second language
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.)
Age structure - 0-14 years
30% (male 12,538/female 12,072)
Age structure - 15-64 years
64.3% (male 26,750/female 25,944)
Age structure - 65 years and over
5.7% (2024 est.) (male 2,293/female 2,414)
Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio
55.6 (2024 est.)
Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio
46.7 (2024 est.)
Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio
8.9 (2024 est.)
Dependency ratios - potential support ratio
11.2 (2024 est.)
Median age - total
25.9 years (2025 est.)
Median age - male
25.4 years
Median age - female
25.6 years
Population growth rate
1.22% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
20.81 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
4.37 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-4.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
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
Urbanization - urban population
78.9% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
0.61% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
31,000 MAJURO (capital) (2018)
Sex ratio - at birth
1.05 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 0-14 years
1.04 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 15-64 years
1.03 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 65 years and over
0.95 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - total population
1.03 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
155 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate - total
20.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate - male
24 deaths/1,000 live births
Infant mortality rate - female
17.1 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth - total population
75.2 years (2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth - male
73 years
Life expectancy at birth - female
77.5 years
Total fertility rate
2.62 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.28 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: urban
urban: 84.5% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: rural
rural: 87.2% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: total
total: 85.1% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: urban
urban: 15.5% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: rural
rural: 12.8% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: total
total: 14.9% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
12.5% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
6.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.47 physicians/1,000 population (2012)
Sanitation facility access - improved: urban
urban: 92.8% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: rural
rural: 70.4% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: total
total: 88% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: urban
urban: 7.2% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: rural
rural: 29.6% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: total
total: 12% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
52.9% (2016)
Tobacco use - total
30.9% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - male
52.9% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - female
8.5% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
11.9% (2017 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
68.3% (2022 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% GDP)
7.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% national budget)
11.3% national budget (2022 est.)
Literacy - total population
95.8% (2021 est.)
Literacy - male
95.7% (2021 est.)
Literacy - female
96.4% (2021 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - total
14 years (2022 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - male
14 years (2022 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - female
15 years (2022 est.)
Government
Country name - conventional long form
Republic of the Marshall Islands
Country name - conventional short form
Marshall Islands
Country name - local long form
Republic of the Marshall Islands
Country name - local short form
Marshall Islands
Country name - former
Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Marshall Islands District
Country name - abbreviation
RMI
Country name - 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
Capital - geographic coordinates
7 06 N, 171 23 E
Capital - time difference
UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Capital - etymology
Majuro means "two openings" or "two eyes" and refers to the two major passages through the atoll into the Majuro lagoon
Capital - 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
Constitution - 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
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship - citizenship by birth
no
Citizenship - citizenship by descent only
at least one parent must be a citizen of the Marshall Islands
Citizenship - dual citizenship recognized
no
Citizenship - 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)
Executive branch - head of government
President Hilda C. HEINE (since 3 January 2023)
Executive branch - cabinet
Cabinet nominated by the president from among members of the Nitijela, appointed by Nitijela speaker
Executive branch - election/appointment process
president indirectly elected by the Nitijela from among its members for a 4-year term (no term limits)
Executive branch - most recent election date
2 January 2023
Executive branch - 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
Executive branch - expected date of next election
2027
Executive branch - note
note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Legislative branch - legislature name
Parliament (Nitijela)
Legislative branch - legislative structure
unicameral
Legislative branch - number of seats
33 (all directly elected)
Legislative branch - electoral system
plurality/majority
Legislative branch - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - term in office
4 years
Legislative branch - most recent election date
11/20/2023
Legislative branch - percentage of women in chamber
12.1%
Legislative branch - expected date of next election
November 2027
Legislative branch - 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
Judicial branch - highest court(s)
Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 2 associate justices)
Judicial branch - 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
Judicial branch - subordinate courts
High Court; District Courts; Traditional Rights Court; Community Courts
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)
Diplomatic representation in the US - chancery
2433 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Diplomatic representation in the US - telephone
[1] (202) 234-5414
Diplomatic representation in the US - FAX
[1] (202) 232-3236
Diplomatic representation in the US - email address and website
Diplomatic representation in the US - consulate(s) general
Honolulu, Springdale (AR)
Diplomatic representation from the US - chief of mission
Ambassador Laura M. STONE (since 12 July 2024)
Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy
Mejen Weto, Ocean Side, Majuro
Diplomatic representation from the US - mailing address
4380 Majuro Place, Washington DC 20521-4380
Diplomatic representation from the US - telephone
[692] 247-4011
Diplomatic representation from the US - FAX
[692] 247-4012
Diplomatic representation from the US - email address and website
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)
National holiday
Constitution Day, 1 May (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"
National anthem(s) - lyrics/music
Amata KABUA
National anthem(s) - history
adopted 1981; words and music written by the first president of the Marshall Islands
National heritage - total World Heritage Sites
1 (cultural)
National heritage - selected World Heritage Site locales
Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site
Economy
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) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$263.507 million (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$274.3 million (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2024
2.8% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023
-3.9% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022
-1.1% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - note
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2024
$7,200 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2023
$6,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2022
$6,800 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate)
$280.358 million (2024 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate) - note
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
6.2% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2021
2.6% (2021 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2020
-0.7% (2020 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - note
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture
19.5% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry
11.1% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services
70.5% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use - household consumption
70.7% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - government consumption
53.5% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in fixed capital
20.2% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in inventories
-0.5% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - exports of goods and services
38.9% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - imports of goods and services
-71.2% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
coconuts (2023)
Agricultural products - note
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
copra, tuna processing, tourism, craft items (from seashells, wood, and pearls)
Industrial production growth rate
-2.8% (2023 est.)
Industrial production growth rate - note
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Population below poverty line
7.2% (2019 est.)
Population below poverty line - note
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2019
35.5 (2019 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - note
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Household income or consumption by percentage share - lowest 10%
2.8% (2019 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - highest 10%
27.5% (2019 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - note
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances - Remittances 2023
13.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2022
13.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2021
13.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances - note
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget - revenues
$171.267 million (2020 est.)
Budget - expenditures
$159.095 million (2020 est.)
Budget - 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
Public debt - Public debt 2019
41.6% of GDP (2019 est.)
Public debt - note
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
17.2% (of GDP) (2020 est.)
Taxes and other revenues - note
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance - Current account balance 2021
$76.263 million (2021 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2020
$90.281 million (2020 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2019
$86.133 million (2019 est.)
Current account balance - note
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports - Exports 2021
$130.016 million (2021 est.)
Exports - Exports 2020
$88.042 million (2020 est.)
Exports - Exports 2019
$91.394 million (2019 est.)
Exports - note
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
UK 16%, Germany 13%, Denmark 10%, Ghana 9%, Cyprus 9% (2023)
Exports - partners - note
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
ships, refined petroleum, fish, natural gas, stone processing machines (2023)
Exports - commodities - note
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports - Imports 2021
$206.025 million (2021 est.)
Imports - Imports 2020
$132.845 million (2020 est.)
Imports - Imports 2019
$129.682 million (2019 est.)
Imports - note
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 47%, Japan 15%, Germany 5%, Brazil 4%, Cyprus 4% (2023)
Imports - partners - note
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
ships, refined petroleum, additive manufacturing machines, iron structures, crude petroleum (2023)
Imports - commodities - note
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
the US dollar is used
Energy
Electricity access - electrification - total population
100% (2022 est.)
Electricity access - electrification - urban areas
96.1%
Electricity access - electrification - rural areas
100%
Communications
Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions
2,000 (2014 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
5 (2022 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions
16,000 (2021 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
38 (2021 est.)
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)
Internet country code
.mh
Internet users - percent of population
66% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - total
1,000 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
2 (2022 est.)
Transportation
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
V7
Airports
33 (2025)
Merchant marine - total
4,180 (2023)
Merchant marine - by type
bulk carrier 1,939, container ship 277, general cargo 66, oil tanker 1039, other 859
Ports - total ports
3 (2024)
Ports - large
0
Ports - medium
0
Ports - small
0
Ports - very small
3
Ports - ports with oil terminals
2
Ports - key ports
Enitwetak Island, Kwajalein, Majuro Atoll
Military and Security
Military and security forces
Marshall Islands Police Department (includes a Sea Patrol Division)
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)
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons - IDPs
35 (2024 est.)
Environment
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
International environmental agreements - 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.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 2.8% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 36.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 0% (2022 est.)
Land use - forest
53.9% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
7.2% (2023 est.)
Urbanization - urban population
78.9% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
0.61% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
293,700 metric tonnes of CO2 (2017 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
7.2 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually
8,600 tons (2024 est.)
Waste and recycling - percent of municipal solid waste recycled
39.7% (2022 est.)