Marshall Islands

Area: 181.4 sq km (70 sq miles).

Population: 50,848 (1999).

Population Density: 280.3 per sq km.

Capital: Majuro. Population: 23,682 (1999).

GEOGRAPHY: The Marshall Islands consist of two almost parallel chains of atolls and islands and lie west of the International Date Line. Majuro Atoll is 2285km (1428 miles) west of Honolulu, 1624km (1015 miles) east of Guam and 2624km (1641 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 1152 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 and Government: President Kessai H Note (since 2000).

Language: Marshallese and English are the official languages.

Religion: Christian, mostly Protestant.

Electricity: 110 volts AC, 60 Hz. Plugs are US 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.