International Marshall Islands relations

Country profile & diplomacy overview · 10 relations tracked

The Marshall Islands are a sovereign nation located in the Pacific Ocean. They are made up of 29 atolls and five coral islands, and are situated roughly halfway between Hawaii and Australia. The Marshall Islands are a presidential representative democratic republic, with the president serving as both head of state and head of government. The country's economy is largely based on tourism, subsistence agriculture, and the export of copra (dried coconut meat). The Marshall Islands also receive financial assistance from the United States, as part of a Compact of Free Association that was signed in 1986.

Population

5.9K#201 of 203

Land area

181 km²#196 of 203

GDP

$308.0M#195 of 197

Global influence

#180Very Low

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Closest relations Strained relations Marshall Islands No data

The Marshall Islands were originally inhabited by Micronesian people, and were later colonized by various European powers, including Spain, Germany, and Japan. During World War II, the Marshall Islands were the site of several significant battles, and were heavily bombed by the United States. After the war, the Marshall Islands became a United Nations Trust Territory, and in 1979 they gained independence.

The Marshall Islands are a member of the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank, among other international organizations. The country has strong diplomatic ties with the United States and other countries in the region, and is a member of the Pacific Islands Forum, an organization that promotes regional cooperation among Pacific Island nations.

Geography & terrain

A scattering of low coral atolls and islands in the central Pacific, none rising more than a few meters above sea level. Tropical climate, warm and humid with a wet season. Coastline everywhere, no true interior. The dispersed, low-lying atolls offer no natural land defenses and are highly exposed to naval and air approach, with distance across open ocean the only real buffer.

Key facts

Diverse sources: UN, World Bank, Marshall Islands Statistics Office/Department. Most recent available data
Capital	Majuro (27.8K people, 100.0% of total population)
Population	5.9K (#201 of 203 countries)
Land area	181 km² (#196 of 203 countries)
Main religion	Christianity
Life expectancy	69 years

Source: World Bank Open Data. Most recent available data (2025)
Currency	United States Dollar
Main language(s)	Marshallese, English
Government type	Presidential republic
Time zone	UTC+12.0
GDP	$308.0M (#195 of 197 countries)
GDP per capita	$8.5K (#95 of 198 countries)
International calling code	+692
Driving side	Right
UNESCO World Heritage Sites	1
Nuclear power	No
European Union	Not a member
NATO	Not a member

Land borders

Marshall Islands has no land borders (it is an island nation or otherwise has no neighboring countries).

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Rank #180 Very Low International Influence

Marshall Islands's actions have no significant effect on the world, and a very limited impact on other countries.

See the full world influence ranking →

Most intense relations

Top 5 relations of Marshall Islands by overall intensity. Intensity reflects the level and significance of interaction—not whether the relationship is positive or negative.