Description flag of Marshall Islands
blue with two stripes radiating from the lower hoist-side corner - orange (top) and white; there is a white star with four large rays and 20 small rays on the hoist side above the two stripes
Official country name
Republic of the Marshall Islands
Local names
Republic of the Marshall Islands (long)
Marshall Islands (short)
Former name
Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Marshall Islands District
Nationality
Marshallese (singular and plural) (noun) Marshall Islands (adjective)
Languages spoken
Marshallese (official) 98.2%, other languages 1.8% (1999 census)
Notes
English (official), widely spoken as a second language
Government type
constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 21 October 1986 and the Amended Compact entered into force in May 2004
Population
63,174 ranked 208, (data 2008)
Geography
the islands of Bikini and Enewetak are former US nuclear test sites; Kwajalein atoll, famous as a World War II battleground, surrounds the world's largest lagoon and is used as a US missile test range; the island city of Ebeye is the second largest settlement in the Marshall Islands, after the capital of Majuro, and one of the most densely populated locations in the Pacific. The lowest point is Pacific Ocean 0 m.
Administrative divisions
33 municipalities; Ailinginae, Ailinglaplap, Ailuk, Arno, Aur, Bikar, Bikini, Bokak, Ebon, Enewetak, Erikub, Jabat, Jaluit, Jemo, Kili, Kwajalein, Lae, Lib, Likiep, Majuro, Maloelap, Mejit, Mili, Namorik, Namu, Rongelap, Rongrik, Toke, Ujae, Ujelang, Utirik, Wotho, Wotje
Independence
21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)