Marshall Islands
The Marshall Islands is a sovereign microstate in Micronesia comprised of low-lying coral atolls and islands. Current estimates show a population of approximately 35,100 people and a GDP per capita of about 8,118 USD, reflecting a nation with a unique economic structure shaped by its free association with the United States.
Where is Marshall Islands?
Marshall Islands
- Continent
- Oceania
- Country
- Marshall Islands
- Coordinates
- 9.00°, 168.00°
Population Details
- Population
- 35.1K
- Area
- 181 km²
- Density per km²
- 194 / km²
- Growth rate
- -3.35%
- Annual growth
- -1.2K people
- Daily growth
- -3.22 people
- World population share
- 0.00%
Population Trend
Historical series from 1960 to 2026
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Marshall Islands
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Majuro
- Region
- Oceania
- Area
- 181 km²
- Languages
- English, Marshallese
- Currency
- United States dollar ($)
- Timezones
- UTC+12:00
- UN Member
- Yes
Economy
The economy is characterized by a significant service sector and a reliance on international aid, maintaining an annual GDP growth rate of 2.5%. With a GDP per capita of 8,118 USD, the nation ranks 111 of 212 globally and 10 of 19 within the Oceania region. Key economic activities include commercial fishing, the production of copra and coconut oil, and service revenues generated from the United States military installation at Kwajalein Atoll. Despite these assets, the total nominal GDP of approximately 290 million USD ranks 209 of 212 worldwide, highlighting the challenges of its remote geographic position.
Society
Social development in the Marshall Islands is marked by a high adult literacy rate of 95.8%, which ranks 75 of 170 globally. Life expectancy at birth stands at 67.1 years, placing the country 176 of 215 in global health rankings, with recent initiatives focusing on addressing non-communicable diseases such as diabetes. Digital connectivity has expanded across the atolls, with current data indicating that 65.9% of the population are internet users, a figure that ranks 143 of 212 worldwide.
Climate & Environment
The nation experiences a tropical marine climate with high humidity and consistent temperatures averaging 27 °C (81 °F). As a collection of coral atolls with a highest point of only 14 m (46 ft), the islands are among the most vulnerable in the world to rising sea levels and seasonal typhoons.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- presidential republic in free association with the US
- Independence
- 1986-10-21 (United States)
Geography
- Highest Point
- East-central Airik Island, Maloelap Atoll (14 m)
- Lowest Point
- Pacific Ocean (0 m)
- Coastline
- 370 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in Marshall IslandsExplore weather and climate data for cities in Marshall Islands
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Majuro
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C / 27°C | 30°C / 28°C | 22days (187 mm) Wet | 10.4h Excellent | 81% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| February best | 28°C / 27°C | 30°C / 28°C | 17days (156 mm) Wet | 10.9h Excellent | 81% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| March | 28°C / 26°C | 30°C / 28°C | 24days (230 mm) Wet | 10.4h Excellent | 83% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| April | 28°C / 26°C | 31°C / 28°C | 26days (284 mm) Wet | 9.9h Good | 83% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| May | 28°C / 27°C | 32°C / 29°C | 28days (345 mm) Wet | 9.9h Good | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| June | 28°C / 26°C | 32°C / 29°C | 26days (290 mm) Wet | 10.4h Excellent | 83% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| July | 28°C / 26°C | 32°C / 29°C | 28days (361 mm) Wet | 9.6h Good | 83% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| August | 28°C / 26°C | 33°C / 30°C | 27days (310 mm) Wet | 10.5h Excellent | 82% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| September | 28°C / 26°C | 33°C / 30°C | 27days (392 mm) Wet | 9.9h Good | 82% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| October | 28°C / 26°C | 33°C / 30°C | 28days (411 mm) Wet | 9.7h Good | 82% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| November | 28°C / 26°C | 32°C / 29°C | 28days (360 mm) Wet | 9.2h Good | 83% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| December | 28°C / 26°C | 31°C / 28°C | 27days (357 mm) Wet | 9.8h Good | 83% Humid | Wet | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 28°C / 27°C . Feb: 28°C / 27°C . Mar: 28°C / 26°C . Apr: 28°C / 26°C . May: 28°C / 27°C . Jun: 28°C / 26°C . Jul: 28°C / 26°C . Aug: 28°C / 26°C . Sep: 28°C / 26°C . Oct: 28°C / 26°C . Nov: 28°C / 26°C . Dec: 28°C / 26°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 187 mm. Feb: 156 mm. Mar: 230 mm. Apr: 284 mm. May: 345 mm. Jun: 290 mm. Jul: 361 mm. Aug: 310 mm. Sep: 392 mm. Oct: 411 mm. Nov: 360 mm. Dec: 357 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Marshall Islands is approximately 35.1K (2024).
The capital of Marshall Islands is Majuro.
Marshall Islands's GDP per capita is $8.1K (2024).
Life expectancy in Marshall Islands is 67.08 years (2024).
Marshall Islands covers 181 km² (70 sq mi).
Marshall Islands is densely populated, with 194 people per km² — above the global average of 60.
Marshall Islands's population is shrinking at 3.3% per year — one of the few countries seeing sustained decline.
Based on GDP per capita, Marshall Islands falls in the upper-middle GDP-per-person tier at $8.1K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Marshall Islands's intentional homicide rate is 4.2 per 100,000 people, close to the global average.
Marshall Islands has 2 official languages: English, Marshallese.
Marshall Islands uses the United States dollar ($) as its sole official currency.
Marshall Islands is an island nation and shares no land borders.
The best months to visit Marshall Islands are February, based on climate data for the capital.
Current estimates show the population of the Marshall Islands is approximately 35,100 people. The nation is experiencing a notable annual population decline of approximately 3.3%, largely due to migration patterns. This population size ranks the country 210 of 215 globally and 16 of 19 within the Oceania region.
The estimated GDP per capita for the Marshall Islands is 8,118 USD. This figure ranks the nation 111 of 212 globally and 5 of 7 within the Micronesia subregion. The economy has shown steady growth recently, with an annual GDP growth rate of 2.5%.
According to recent data, 65.9% of the population in the Marshall Islands are internet users. This level of digital access ranks the country 143 of 212 globally. Connectivity is highest in urban centers like Majuro, where nearly 79% of the total population resides.
The adult literacy rate in the Marshall Islands is 95.8%, based on the latest available data. This strong educational performance ranks the nation 75 of 170 worldwide. The education system is modeled after that of the United States, with both English and Marshallese serving as official languages.
The Marshall Islands has a total land area of 181 km² (70 sq mi), though it is spread across hundreds of thousands of square kilometers of ocean. It maintains a coastline of 370.4 km (230.2 mi). The current population density is estimated at 194.7 people per km² (504.3 people per sq mi).
All Indicators
Explore Marshall Islands's data across 50+ indicators
Demographics
Economy
Health
Education
Environment
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Infrastructure
Geography
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