Marshall Islands

Pearl of the Pacific

Current Local Time

Marshall Islands Flag
Time Zone
Marshall Islands Time (MHT)
UTC/GMT +12 hours (No DST)

Current Weather in Majuro

29°C
Partly Cloudy
Feels like: 32°C
Wind: 18 km/h E
Humidity: 78%
Visibility: 12 km
Tomorrow
30°C / 27°C
Sunny
Day After
29°C / 26°C
Rain Showers
Sunrise
6:22 AM
Sunset
6:38 PM
Pressure
1010 hPa
UV Index
11 (Extreme)

Country Information

Official Name
Republic of the Marshall Islands
Capital
Majuro
Population
42,000 (2023 est.)
Area
181 km² (land), 1.9M km² (EEZ)
Government
Unitary parliamentary republic
President
Hilda Heine (since 2024)
Currency
US dollar (USD)
GDP
$220 million (2023 est.)
Languages
Marshallese, English (both official)

Travel Information

Best Time to Visit
Dec-Apr (Dry season)
Visa Requirements
Visa-free for 90 days (many countries)
Electricity
120V/60Hz (Type A & B plugs)
Driving Side
Right
Emergency Number
911 (Police & Ambulance)
Time Zone
MHT (UTC+12)
Internet TLD
.mh
Calling Code
+692

Major Atolls & Attractions

Majuro

Majuro

Capital atoll with government buildings, markets, and WWII relics.

Capital city
Kwajalein

Kwajalein

World's largest coral atoll with US military base and WWII wrecks.

WWII wrecks
Bikini

Bikini Atoll

Nuclear test site with sunken fleet and UNESCO World Heritage status.

Nuclear history
Arno

Arno Atoll

Traditional Marshallese culture with beautiful outer islands.

Pristine beaches

Historical Timeline

2000 BC
First settled by Micronesian navigators
1529
Spanish explorer Álvaro de Saavedra sights the islands
1788
British captains John Marshall and Thomas Gilbert explore the islands
1885
Germany claims the islands as protectorate
1914
Japan occupies islands during WWI
1944
US captures islands from Japan in WWII
1946-1958
US nuclear testing at Bikini and Enewetak atolls
1979
Constitution adopted, self-government established
1986
Compact of Free Association with US takes effect
1991
Admitted to UN as sovereign nation
2010
Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site designated as UNESCO World Heritage

Cultural Highlights

Ethnic Composition

Marshallese 92.1%
Mixed Marshallese 5.9%
Other 2%

Traditional Cuisine

Fresh seafood
Breadfruit dishes
Coconut products
Chicken dishes
Tropical fruits
Traditional cooking

Major Festivals

Constitution Day
May 1 - National celebrations
Fishermen's Day
July - Traditional fishing competitions
Nuclear Victims Remembrance Day
March 1 - Honors nuclear test victims

Marshall Islands on the Map

Coordinates
7.1315° N, 171.1845° E
Bordering Countries
FSM (W), Kiribati (S), Wake Island (N)
Highest Point
10 m (33 ft) - Likiep Atoll

Travel Tips & Advice

When to Visit

  • Dec-Apr: Dry season, best for travel
  • May-Nov: Wet season, possible typhoons
  • Mar-May: Best for cultural events

Getting Around

  • Domestic Flights: Air Marshall Islands between atolls
  • Boats: Main transport between islands in an atoll
  • Car Rentals: Available in Majuro and Ebeye
  • Taxis: Shared taxis common in urban areas

Safety Tips

  • Exercise normal safety precautions
  • Be cautious when swimming (strong currents)
  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Carry sufficient cash (limited ATMs)

Money Matters

  • US dollar (USD) is the official currency
  • ATMs available in Majuro and Ebeye
  • Credit cards accepted in major hotels only
  • Carry cash for outer atolls

Fun Facts About Marshall Islands

Ocean Nation

The Marshall Islands' land area is just 181 km² but its ocean territory spans 1.9 million km² - larger than Mexico.

Nuclear Legacy

Between 1946-1958, the US conducted 67 nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands with a total yield of 210 megatons.

Ship Graveyard

Bikini Atoll has the world's only diveable nuclear test fleet, including the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga.

Flag Meaning

The flag's orange stripe represents courage, white for peace, blue for the Pacific, and the star for the 24 municipalities.

Climate Leader

The Marshall Islands was the first country to submit more ambitious climate targets under the Paris Agreement.

Largest Atoll

Kwajalein is the world's largest coral atoll with a lagoon of 2,174 km² - large enough to hold all of Guam.

Unique Language

Marshallese has two distinct dialects (Rālik and Ratak) and is considered one of the most difficult languages to learn.

Space Program

The US Reagan Test Site on Kwajalein is a key missile defense and space tracking facility.