Marshall Islands

Quick Facts

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Local Name

Aolepān Aorōkin M̧ajeļ

Capital

Majuro

Government

Constitutional Government in free association with the USA

Nationality

Marshallese

Population

61,000

Languages

Marshallese, English

Religions

Christianity (Protestant, Catholic)

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Calling Code

+692

Time zone

UTC+12

Introduction

The Marshall Islands, like the neighbouring Northern Mariana Islands, were passed from Spanish to German to Japanese to American hands. Like the Marianas, they were the site of fierce fighting during WWII. The Marshalls, however, were treated to the honour of becoming a nuclear testing ground of the United States. Bikini and Enewetak Atolls were deserted as dozens of bombs were exploded. Unable to be settled again, Bikini Atoll has proceeded to become a dumping ground for the radioactive waste of North America and Asia.

While the Marshallese have plenty to be angry about, most travellers are amazed at their friendliness. Culture beats strong, with traditional practices evident in daily life. Beyond anthropological adventures, most tourists are attracted to the Marshalls for their diving opportunities: stunning coral scenery and haunting WWII wrecks are what make the Marshalls killer diving ground.

Islands

29 atolls and 5 isolated islands make up the Marshall Islands. The most important atolls can be divided into two island chains.

• Ratak Chain (sunrise)
• Ralik Chain (sunset)

Most of the population live on Majuro atoll (the capital) and Ebeye atoll.

Getting There

By Plane

Marshall Islands International Airport (MAJ), also known as Amata Kabua International Airport, is the gateway to the country. Flag carrier Air Marshall Islands is based here in this airport but operates domestic, inter-island flights only. Continental Airlines, operated by its subsidiary Continental Micronesia, flies into Majuro from Chuuk, Guam, Honolulu, Kosrae, Kwajalein and Pohnpei.