Islands as "by far the most contaminated place in the world".[10] Nuclear claims between the U.S. and the Marshall Islands are ongoing, and health effects from these nuclear tests linger.[9] Project 4.1 was a medical study conducted by the United States of those residents of the Bikini Atoll exposed to radioactive fallout. Independence In 1979, the Government of the Marshall Islands was officially established and the country became self-governing. In 1986, the Compact of Free Association with the United States entered into force, granting the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) its sovereignty. The Compact provided for aid and U.S. defense of the islands in exchange for continued U.S. military use of the missile testing range at Kwajalein Atoll. The independence procedure was formally completed under international law in 1990, when the UN officially ended the Trusteeship status. Government Main article: Politics of the Marshall Islands Marshall Islands Capitol building The government of the Marshall Islands operates under a mixed parliamentary-presidential system as set forth in its Constitution.[11] Elections are held every four years in universal suffrage (for all citizens above 18 years of age), with each of the twenty-four constituencies (see below) electing one or more representatives (senators) to the lower house of RMI’s bicameral legislature, the Nitijela. (Majuro, the capital atoll, elects five senators.) The President, who is head of state as well as head of government, is elected by the 33 senators of the Nitijela. Legislative power lies with the Nitijela. The upper house of Parliament, called the Council of Iroij, is an advisory body comprising twelve tribal chiefs. The executive branch consists of the President and the Presidential Cabinet, which consists of ten ministers appointed by the President with the approval of the Nitijela. The twenty-four electoral districts into which the country is divided correspond to the inhabited islands and atolls. There are currently three political parties in the Marshall Islands: Aelon Kein Ad (AKA), United People's Party (UPP), and United Democratic Party (UDP). Rule is shared by the UDP and the UPP. Ailinglaplap Atoll - Senator Christopher J. Loeak (AKA), Senator Ruben R. Zackhras (UDP) Ailuk Atoll - Senator Maynard Alfred (UDP) Arno Atoll - Senator Nidel Lorak (UPP), Senator Gerald M. Zackios (UDP) Aur Atoll - Senator Norman Matthew (UPP) Ebon Atoll - Senator John M. Silk (UDP) Enewetak Atoll - Senator Jack Ading (UPP) Jabat Island- Senator Kessai H. Note (UDP) Jaluit Atoll - Senator Rien R. Morris (UDP), Speaker Alvin T. Jacklick (UDP) Kili Island - Senator Tomaki Juda (UDP) Kwajalein Atoll - Senator Michael Kabua (AKA), Senator Tony A. deBrum (AKA), Senator Jeban Riklon (AKA) Lae Atoll - Senator Rellong D. Lemari (AKA) Lib Island - Senator Jerakoj Jerry Bejang (AKA) Likiep Atoll - Senator Donald F. Capelle (UDP) Majuro Atoll - Senator Wilfred I. Kendall (UDP), Senator David Kramer (IND), Senator Brenson S. Wase (UDP), Vice Speaker Alik J. Alik (UDP), H.E. President Jurelang Zedkaia (UDP) Maloelap Atoll - Senator Michael Konelios (UDP) Mejit Island - Senator Dennis Momotaro (UPP) Mili Atoll - Senator Kejjo Bien (UPP) Namdrik Atoll - Senator Mattlan Zackhras (UDP) Namu Atoll - Senator Kaiboke Kabua (AKA) Rongelap Atoll - Senator Kenneth Kedi (IND) Ujae Atoll - Senator Frederick H. Muller (UPP) Utrik Atoll - Senator Amenta Matthew (IND) Wotho Atoll - Senator David Kabua (AKA) Wotje Atoll - Senator Litokwa Tomeing (UPP) Foreign affairs and defense The Compact of Free Association with the United States give the U.S. sole responsibility for the international defense of the Marshall Islands. It allows islanders to live and work in the United States, and establishes economic and technical aid programs. Further information: Compact of Free Association Geography Main articles: Geography of the Marshall Islands and Administrative divisions of the Marshall Islands Map of the Marshall Islands Beach scenery of the Marshall Islands. The country consists of 29 atolls and 5 isolated islands. The atolls and islands form two groups: the Ratak Chain and the Ralik Chain (meaning "sunrise" and "sunset" chains). 24 of them are inhabited (see above section). The uninhabited atolls are: Ailinginae Atoll Bikar (Bikaar) Atoll Bikini Atoll Bokak Atoll Erikub Atoll Jemo Island Nadikdik Atoll Rongerik Atoll Toke Atoll Ujelang Atoll A majority of the islands' land mass is at sea level. Territorial claim on Wake Island The Marshall Islands also lays claim to Wake Island. While Wake has long been administered by the United States, the Marshallese government refers to it by the name Enen-kio. Climate Average monthly temperatures (red) and precipitation (blue) on Majuro. The climate is hot and humid, with a wet season from May to November. The islands occasionally suffer from typhoons. Many Pacific typhoons start in the Marshall Islands region and grow stronger as they move west toward the Mariana Islands and the Philippines. Climate-related emergencies On March 21, 2007, the government of the Marshall Islands declared a state of emergency due to a prolonged drought.[citation needed] In December 2008 the Islands were pounded several times in quick succession by long period swell waves generated by an extra tropical storm. These extreme waves combined with high tides, causing widespread flooding in the capital city of Majuro and other urban centres, located at just one meter above sea level. On Christmas morning, the government declared a state of emergency.[12] Economy Main article: Economy of the Marshall Islands General economic conditions Over the past decade, GDP growth averaged only 1% due to government downsizing, drought, a drop in construction, the decline in tourism and foreign investment due to Asian financial difficulties, and less income from the renewal of fishing-vessel licenses. The 2007 edition of "Doing Business," prepared by the World Bank's private sector development department, declared the Marshall Islands to be the world's "Best Performer" for its ease and low expense in hiring and firing employees. But the study gave the Marshall Islands extremely low ratings for its protection of investors and contract enforcement. Labor In 2007, the Marshall Islands joined the International Labor Organization, which means its labor laws will comply with international benchmarks. This will impact business conditions in the islands.[13] Taxation Taxes are relatively low. The income tax has two brackets with small rates (8% and 14%). The corporate tax is 11.5%. The general sales tax is 6%. There are no property taxes. Foreign assistance United States government assistance is the mainstay of the economy. Under the terms of the Amended Compact of Free Association, the U.S. will provide millions of dollars per year to the Marshall Islands (RMI) through 2023, at which time a trust fund made up of U.S. and RMI contributions will begin perpetual annual payouts. The United States Army maintains its Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll. It is important for the local economy, as the Marshallese land owners receive rent for the base, and a large number of Marshallese work there. Majuro Atoll also benefited from foreign assistance. The main airport was built by the Japanese during World War II, and the only tarmac road of the capital was built partly by the Taiwanese and partly by the Americans. Foreign assistance is also granted to the Marshall Islands by Taiwan, Japan, Australia and the EU. Agriculture Agricultural production is concentrated on small farms. The most-important commercial crops are coconuts, tomatoes, melons, and breadfruit. Industry Small-scale industry is limited to handicrafts, fish processing, and copra. Tourism The tourist industry, now a small source of foreign exchange employing less than 10% of the labor force, remains the best hope for future added income. The islands have few natural resources, and imports far exceed exports. In 2005, Aloha Airlines canceled its flight services to the Marshall Islands as part of its withdrawal from several markets in the region. Though other international airlines still serve Majuro, the Aloha decision was a setback in the country's hopes of increased revenues from tourism. Fishing Fishing has been critical to the economy of this island nation since its settlement. In 1999, a private company built a tuna loining plant with more than 400 employees, mostly women. But the plant closed in 2005, after a failed attempt to convert it to produce tuna steaks, a process that requires half as many employees. Operating costs exceeded revenue, and the plant's owners tried to partner with the government to prevent closure. But government officials personally interested in an economic stake in the plant refused to help. After the plant closed, it was taken over by the government, which had been the guarantor of a $2 million loan to the business. Energy On September 15, 2007, Witon Barry (of the Tobolar Copra processing plant in the Marshall Islands capital of Majuro) said power authorities, private companies, and entrepreneurs had been experimenting with coconut oil as alternative to diesel fuel for vehicles, power generators, and ships. Coconut trees abound in the Pacific's tropical islands. Copra, the meat of the coconut, yields coconut oil (1 liter for every 6 to 10 coconuts).[14] On July 3, 2008, the government of the Marshall Islands declared a state of emergency related to energy shortages due to a lack of financial reserves and unusually high energy costs.[citation needed] Demographics Main article: Demographics of the Marshall Islands The Marshallese are of Micronesian origin and migrated from Asia several thousand years ago. A minority of Marshallese have some recent Asian ancestry, mainly Japanese. Two-thirds of the nation's population lives on Majuro, the capital, and Ebeye. The outer islands are sparsely populated due to lack of employment opportunities and economic development. Life on the outer atolls is generally still fairly traditional. Religion Main article: Religion in the Marshall Islands Virtually all Marshallese are Christian. Most of them are Protestant. Education The Marshall Islands Ministry of Education operates the state schools in the Marshall Islands.[15] There are 2 colleges operating in the Marshall Islands. The College of the Marshall Islands (CMI) and The University of the South Pacific. Transport Main article: Transportation in the Marshall Islands The Marshall Islands are served by the Marshall Islands International Airport in Majuro, the Bucholz Army Airfield in Kwajalein, and other small airports and airstrips. Health The Marshall Islands has the highest rate of leprosy in the world.[16] Culture Marshallese fans. Main article: Culture of the Marshall Islands Although English is an official language and is spoken widely, though not fluently, Marshallese is used by the government. Japanese is also spoken occasionally in some areas. Although the skills are now in decline, the Marshallese were once able navigators, using the stars and stick-and-shell charts. They are also experienced in canoe-building. They still hold annual competitions involving the unique oceanic sailing canoe, the proa.[citation needed] Gallery See also Micronesia portal Geography portal Main article: Outline of the Marshall Islands Index of Marshall Islands-related articles References ^ Department of Economic and Social Affairs Population Division (2009) (.PDF). World Population Prospects, Table A.1. 2008 revision. United Nations. http://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/wpp2008/wpp2008_text_tables.pdf. Retrieved 2009-03-12.  ^ The History of Mankind by Professor Friedrich Ratzel, Book II, Section A, The Races of Oceania page 165, picture of a stick chart from the Marshall Islands. MacMillan and Co., published 1896. ^ a b Wake Island Site.. "Geography of the Marshall Islands." (in en) (PDF). http://www.enenkio.org/adobe/GeographyMarshallIslands.pdf. Retrieved 1 November 2008.  ^ a b c d Pacific Institute of Advanced Studies in Development and Governance (PIAS-DG), University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji.. "Marshall Islands." (in en). http://piasdgserver.usp.ac.fj/peacenet//index.php?id=152. Retrieved 2 November 2008.  ^ Marshall Islands Visitors Authority.. "History of the Marshall Islands." (in en). http://www.visitmarshallislands.com/history.htm. Retrieved 4 November 2008.  ^ World Statesmen.org.. "Marshall Islands ." (in en). http://www.worldstatesmen.org/Marshall_islands.htm. Retrieved 3 November 2008.  ^ Dirk H.R. Spennemann.. "Mili Island, Mili Atoll: a brief overview of its WWII sites." (in en). http://marshall.csu.edu.au/Marshalls/html/WWII/Mili.html. Retrieved 2 November 2008.  ^ "Nuclear Weapons Test Map", Public Broadcasting Service ^ a b Islanders Want The Truth About Bikini Nuclear Test ^ Stephanie Cooke (2009). In Mortal Hands: A Cautionary History of the Nuclear Age, Black Inc., p. 168. ^ Constitution of the Marshall Islands ^ "Marshall atolls declare emergency ", BBC News, 25 December 2008. ^ Republic of the Marshall Islands becomes 181st ILO member State [Press releases] ^ Afp.google.com, Pacific Islands look to coconut power to fuel future growth ^ http://www.rmigovernment.org/issues.jsp?docid=1 ^ Marshall Islands - Economic Policy, Planning and Statistics Office - Home page Further reading Barker, H.M. (2004). Bravo for the Marshallese: Regaining Control in a Post-nuclear, Post-colonial World. Belmont, California: Thomson/Wadsworth. Rudiak-Gould, P. (2009). Surviving Paradise: One Year on a Disappearing Island. New York: Union Square Press. Niedenthal, J. (2001). For the Good of Mankind: A History of the People of Bikini and Their Islands. Majuro, Marshall Islands: Bravo Publishers. Carucci, L.M. (1997). Nuclear Nativity: Rituals of Renewal and Empowerment in the Marshall Islands. DeKalb: Northern Illinois University Press. Hein, J.R., F.L. Wong, and D.L. Mosier. (2007). Bathymetry of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and vicinity [Miscellaneous Field Studies; Map-MF-2324]. Reston, VA: U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey. Woodard, Colin (2000). Ocean's End: Travels Through Endangered Seas. New York: Basic Books. (Contains extended account of sea-level rise threat and the legacy of U.S. Atomic testing.) External links Find more about Marshall Islands on Wikipedia's sister projects: Definitions from Wiktionary Textbooks from Wikibooks Quotations from Wikiquote Source texts from Wikisource Images and media from Commons News stories from Wikinews Learning resources from Wikiversity Government Office of the President Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands Washington, DC official government site Chief of State and Cabinet Members General information Marshall Islands entry at The World Factbook Marshall Islands from UCB Libraries GovPubs Marshall Islands at the Open Directory Project Wikimedia Atlas of the Marshall Islands Marshall Islands travel guide from Wikitravel News media Marshall Islands Journal Weekly independent national newspaper Other 360 Panoramas and map of Marshall Islands Digital Micronesia - Marshalls by Dirk HR Spennemann, Associate Professor in Cultural Heritage Management Plants & Environments of the Marshall Islands Book turned website by Dr. Mark Merlin of the University of Hawaii Atomic Testing Information Pictures of victims of U.S. nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands on Nuclear Files.org   Articles Related to the Marshall Islands v • d • e Marshall Islands Ratak Chain (Sunrise, Eastern) Bokak (Taongi) • Bikar • Utirik • Toke • Mejit • Ailuk • Jemo • Likiep • Wotje • Erikub • Maloelap • Aur • Majuro • Arno • Mili • Knox (Nadikdik) Ralik Chain (Sunset, Western) Enewetak • Ujelang • Bikini • Rongerik • Rongelap • Ailinginae • Wotho • Ujae • Lae • Kwajalein • Lib • Namu • Jabat • Ailinglaplap • Jaluit • Kili • Namorik • Ebon Bold: Populated; Italics: Single island    Geographic locale Lat. and Long. 7°4'N 171°16'E? / ?7.067°N 171.267°E? / 7.067; 171.267 (Majuro) v • d • e Countries and territories of Oceania Sovereign states Australia · Fiji · Indonesia1 · Kiribati · Federated States of Micronesia · Marshall Islands · Nauru · New Zealand · Palau · Papua New Guinea · Samoa · Solomon Islands · Tonga · Tuvalu · Vanuatu Dependencies and other territories Australia Christmas Island · Cocos (Keeling) Islands · Norfolk Island France French Polynesia · New Caledonia · Wallis and Futuna New Zealand Cook Islands · Niue · Tokelau United Kingdom Pitcairn Islands United States American Samoa · Guam · Hawaii · Northern Mariana Islands · U.S. Minor Islands Chile Easter Island Fiji Rotuma 1 Transcontinental country v • d • e Culture of Indigenous Oceania List of resources about traditional arts and culture of Oceania Art ahu · Australia · Austronesia · Cook Islands · Hawai?i · kapa (Hawai?i) · lei (Hawaii) · magimagi · Maori · moai · New Zealand · Oceania · Papua New Guinea · reimiro · ta moko · tapa ["masi" (Fiji), "ngatu" (Tonga), "siapo" (Samoa), " ?uha" (Rotuma)] · tabua · ta'ovala · tattoo · tefui · tivaivai Broad culture areca nut · Kava culture · kava, [" ?awa" (Hawaii), " ?ava" (Samoa), "yaqona" (Fiji), or "sakau" (Pohnpei)] · Lapita · Maori · Polynesia · Polynesian navigation · wood carving Geo-specific, general Australia · Australian Aboriginal astronomy · Austronesia · Caroline Islands, -Pwo · Chatham Islands · Cook Islands · Easter Island · Fiji, -Lau Islands, -traditions and ceremonies · Guam · Hawai?i, -Lomilomi massage · Kiribati · French Polynesia's Marquesas Islands · Marshall Islands, -Stick charts of · Federated States of Micronesia · Nauru · New Caledonia · New Zealand · Niue · Norfolk Island · Palau · Papua New Guinea · Pitcairn Islands · Samoa · Solomon Islands · Tonga · Torres Strait Islands · Tuvalu · Vanuatu · Wallis and Futuna · Yap, -navigation, -Weriyeng navigation school Canoes Aboriginal Dugout · Alingano Maisu · Drua · Dugout (boat) · Hawai?iloa · Hokule?a · Modern Hawaiian outrigger · Maori migration · Outrigger · Polynesian sailing · Proa · Waka,-List of · Walap Dance 'aparima · cibi · fara · fire dancing · firewalking · haka · hivinau · hula · kailao · kapa haka · Kiribati · meke · 'ote'a · pa'o'a · poi · Rotuma · siva · Tahiti · tamure · tautoga · Tonga · 'upa'upa Festivals Australia's Garma Festival · Hawai?i's Aloha Festivals, Merrie Monarch Festival, and World Invitational Hula Festival · Fiji · New Zealand's Pasifika Festival · The Pacific Community's Festival of Pacific Arts · Festivals in Papua New Guinea Languages by area v • d • e Languages of Oceania Sovereign states Australia · East Timor1