The Republic of the Marshall Islands, or just the Marshall Islands, is a country located in the Pacific Ocean. This island country is a United States associated state, which means that the U.S. provides defense, subsidies, and social services to the Marshall Islands. However, the Marshall Islands do have full sovereignty as a result of the Compact of Free Association they have with the U.S. This country is also a member of the United Nations and the Pacific Community.
Marshall Islands are made up of 29 coral atolls, which have over 1,100 islands and islets. The total area of the Marshall Islands is just over 70 square miles. According to population estimates from 2016, the population of this island nation is 53,066 – down slightly from the last census taken in 2011.
The capital of Marshall Islands is Majuro. This coral atoll is made of 64 islands. Not only is it the capital city, but it is also the largest. Though it is just 3.7 square miles in area, nearly 28,000 people live in Majuro. Throughout the nation, nearly three-quarters of the population lives in urban areas.
Most of the population are native Marshallese. However, other inhabitants have emigrated from areas including the Philippines, China, and the United States. There are two official languages in the Marshall Islands. These languages are Marshallese and English, both of which are frequently spoken.
Over half of the population belongs to the United Church of Christ – Congregational in the Marshall Islands. Other inhabitants attend Assemblies of God, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There are also a number of other minor religions.