Region: Oceania-Micronesia

Capital: Majuro

Population: 57,738 (July 2004 est.)

Surface area: 181 sq km

Currency: US dollar

GDP per capita: purchasing power parity - $1,600 (2001 est.)

Background:
After almost four decades under US administration as the easternmost part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the Marshall Islands attained independence in 1986 under a Compact of Free Association. Compensation claims continue as a result of US nuclear testing on some of the atolls between 1947 and 1962. The Marshall Islands have been home to the US Army Base Kwajalein (USAKA) since 1964.

Economy – Overview:
US Government assistance is the mainstay of this tiny island economy. Agricultural production is primarily subsistence and is concentrated on small farms; the most important commercial crops are coconuts and breadfruit. Small-scale industry is limited to handicrafts, tuna processing, and copra. 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. Under the terms of the Compact of Free Association, the US has provided more than $1 billion in aid since 1986. Negotiations have continued for an extended agreement. Government downsizing, drought, a drop in construction, the decline in tourism and foreign investment due to the Asian financial difficulties, and less income from the renewal of fishing vessel licenses have held GDP growth to an average of 1% over the past decade.

United Nations Membership date: 17 September 1991

New York Mission:
Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the United Nations
800 Second Avenue, 18th Floor
New York, N.Y. 10017 USA
Telephone: 212-983-3040
Fax: 212-983-3202

Website: http://marshallislands.un.int