Political Overview
The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is a sovereign nation in free association with the United States. Its government is a mixed parliamentary-presidential system: a unicameral Nitijela (parliament) elects the president, who serves as both head of state and government. While the Compact of Free Association grants the U.S. defense rights and provides financial assistance, the Marshallese retain full internal self-governance and conduct their own foreign affairs with increasing engagement in regional Pacific forums. Political power is distributed among 24 electoral constituencies, each representing an atoll or group of islands, ensuring local representation in the Nitijela. Despite limited land area, the RMI maintains diplomatic missions abroad and participates actively in climate change negotiations, advocating for small island states affected by rising sea levels.
Cultural Heritage and Identity
Marshallese culture is deeply rooted in Micronesian traditions, emphasizing strong community ties and respect for elders. Oral history, known as kōnōmjel, preserves legends, navigational knowledge, and clan lineages, underscoring the importance of genealogy in social organization. Traditional canoe-building and navigation using stick charts to read ocean swells remain celebrated aspects of Marshallese identity. The Marshallese language, part of the Malayo-Polynesian family, coexists with English in government and education, reflecting both indigenous heritage and historic American influence. Customary practices, such as matrilineal land inheritance and ceremonial gift exchanges (boktakōn), continue to shape social relationships, even as contemporary youth engage with global media and pursue education abroad.
Geographical Landscape, Area, and Climate
The Marshall Islands comprise 29 atolls and 5 isolated islands scattered across approximately 750,000 square miles of the central Pacific Ocean; the total land area, however, is only about 181 km² (70 mi²). These low-lying coral atolls sit atop two parallel chains the Ratak (sunrise) and Ralik (sunset) chains spanning more than 2,000 km (1,200 mi) east to west. The highest elevation rarely exceeds 10 m (33 ft) above sea level, making the country exceptionally vulnerable to sea-level rise. The climate is tropical maritime, with a dry season from December to April and a wet season from May to November, often punctuated by tropical storms. Average annual temperatures hover around 28 °C (82 °F), and trade winds help moderate heat; however, freshwater scarcity and saltwater intrusion remain persistent challenges for island communities.
