What is the Marshall Islands?
The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is a small island country in the Pacific Ocean, located near the equator. Comprising 29 coral atolls and 5 islands, the Marshall Islands are spread over a vast oceanic expanse, making it one of the most remote countries in the world. The islands have a significant history, especially in relation to World War II and nuclear testing. Today, the country is known for its strong ties to the United States and its peaceful, close-knit community.
Provinces and Territories
The Marshall Islands is divided into 24 municipalities grouped across two main island groups:
- Ratak Chain: Includes the islands of Majuro, the capital, and other smaller islands.
- Ralik Chain: Comprising islands such as Kwajalein, an important military base, and other smaller islands.
Currency Details
- Currency Name: United States Dollar (USD)
- Symbol: $
- Subunit: Cent (1 USD = 100 Cents)
- Central Bank: The U.S. Federal Reserve System (USD is the official currency of the Marshall Islands)
Type of Government
The Marshall Islands operates as a democratic republic with a parliamentary system. The government is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The President of the Republic is both the head of state and government.
Detailed Hierarchy of Government Roles
Executive Branch Hierarchy
| Position |
Role Description |
Power & Responsibilities |
| President |
Head of State and Government |
Leads the country, formulates policies, represents the country internationally, and oversees the executive branch. |
| Vice President |
Deputy to the President |
Assists the President and may act in place of the President when needed. |
| Cabinet Ministers |
Senior government officials |
Head various departments like finance, education, and foreign affairs, and advise the President. |
Legislative Branch Hierarchy
| Position |
Role Description |
Power & Responsibilities |
| Nitijela |
National Parliament |
A unicameral legislative body with 33 members representing different constituencies. It creates laws and approves the national budget. |
| Speaker of Nitijela |
Head of Parliament |
Ensures the orderly conduct of legislative business. |
| Members of Nitijela |
Elected representatives |
Debate and pass laws, scrutinize government policies, and approve national spending. |
Judicial Branch Hierarchy
| Position |
Role Description |
Power & Responsibilities |
| Chief Justice |
Head of Judiciary |
Leads the judicial system and ensures the fair application of laws. |
| Associate Justices |
Senior judges |
Handle major legal cases, including criminal and civil cases. |
| Magistrates |
Junior judges |
Deal with less serious cases, such as traffic violations or minor offenses. |
Separation of Powers
Legislative
- Function: Creates laws, approves national budget, and governs fiscal policy.
- Tenure: Members of Nitijela serve 4-year terms.
- Departments Controlled: National defense, public services, and internal affairs.
Executive
- Function: Implements and enforces laws, manages foreign relations, and administers government policies.
- Tenure: President serves a 4-year term.
- Departments Controlled: Foreign affairs, education, health, environment.
Judicial
- Function: Interprets and applies laws.
- Tenure: Judges serve until they retire, typically around the age of 70.
- Departments Controlled: Courts, judicial services, and legal institutions.
International Memberships
- United Nations (UN)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)
- International Labor Organization (ILO)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
Military and Law Enforcement
The Marshall Islands does not have its own military. The U.S. is responsible for the defense of the country through the Compact of Free Association. The country maintains a small police force for domestic law enforcement.
Law Enforcement Structure
| Level |
Position |
Role |
| Police Commissioner |
Head of Police |
Oversees national law enforcement, ensuring public safety and order. |
| Police Officers |
Regular officers |
Handle day-to-day policing duties, such as patrolling, investigations, and community services. |
Emergency Numbers
| Emergency Type |
Number |
Description |
| General Emergency |
911 |
For police, fire, and medical emergencies. |
| Police |
991 |
For immediate police assistance. |
| Ambulance |
992 |
For emergency medical assistance. |
| Fire |
993 |
For fire-related emergencies. |
SWOT Analysis of Marshall Islands
Strengths
- Strategic location for international shipping and trade.
- Strong relationship with the United States.
- Natural beauty and potential for eco-tourism.
Weaknesses
- Economic dependence on U.S. aid and foreign investment.
- Vulnerability to rising sea levels due to low-lying islands.
- Limited natural resources and economic diversification.
Opportunities
- Investment in renewable energy, especially solar power.
- Expanding tourism, particularly eco-tourism and marine tourism.
- Strengthening international trade relations.
Threats
- Climate change and its impact on the islands’ landmass.
- Economic vulnerability due to dependence on external aid.
- Limited job opportunities and the potential for youth migration.
Additional Information
- Time Zones: Marshall Islands Standard Time (MIST), UTC +12:00.
- National Symbols:
- Flag: A blue field with a white star representing the country’s location in the Pacific Ocean.
- National Anthem: “Forever Marshall Islands.”