The Marshall Islands, a picturesque paradise located in the central Pacific Ocean, is a country comprising over 1,200 islands and islets.
These islands are organized into two parallel chains of coral atolls: the eastern Ratak (Sunrise) and the western Ralik (Sunset).
Stretching approximately 800 miles in a northwest-southeast direction and separated by about 125 miles, these atolls form the foundation of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, a unitary republic with a population of around 39,700 (2024 estimate).
The capital city, Majuro, is situated on an atoll of the same name.
Majuro is home to government offices located in the town of Delap-Uliga-Djarrit.
The Marshall Islands were under the administration of the United States as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands from 1947 until they gained independence in 1986.
The Marshall Islands are characterized by low-lying coral atolls and islands, with the largest being Kwajalein Atoll. The climate is tropical, with average annual temperatures around 82°F (28°C).
Precipitation varies significantly between the northern and southern atolls, supporting vegetation like coconut and pandanus palms, as well as breadfruit trees.
Despite the lush appearance, the sandy soils are generally low in fertility. The nearest neighbors include Wake Island, Kiribati, Nauru, and the Federated States of Micronesia.
