Marshall Islands: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Marshall Islands 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Marshall Islands: na
  • Happiness Score Marshall Islands:na

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Marshall Islands. MH.

    Marshall Islands is

  • a presidential republic with a mixed economic system
  • known for its traditional stick navigation techniques
  • reliant on US aid and fishing revenue
  • The Marshall Islands – A Comprehensive Overview

    Early History: The Marshall Islands were initially settled by Micronesians around 2000 years ago. Over time, they developed a seafaring and trading culture influenced by neighboring islands.

    Kingdoms and Empires: The islands were traditionally organized into separate chiefdoms or monarchies, with each atoll having its own ruling system.

    Colonial Period: The Marshall Islands were first explored by Europeans in the 16th century, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that they came under more extensive colonial influence. In 1885, the islands became a protectorate of the German Empire, and after World War I, they were administered by Japan under a League of Nations mandate.

    Independence and Modern Era: After World War II, the Marshall Islands were placed under the United States’ administration as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. The islands gained independence in 1986, becoming the Republic of the Marshall Islands in free association with the United States.

    Current Political Situation: The Republic of the Marshall Islands is a presidential democracy with a parliamentary system of government. The President is the head of state and government, and the legislature is the Nitijela (parliament). The current President is David Kabua, who took office in 2020.

    International Relations

    The Marshall Islands maintains close ties with the United States and has a Compact of Free Association, which provides economic assistance and military defense. The country also has diplomatic relations with various other nations, including Japan, Australia, and countries in the Pacific region.

    Human Development and Economy

    The Marshall Islands has a developing economy heavily dependent on foreign aid and revenue from the Compact of Free Association with the United States. The main industries are small-scale agriculture, fishing, and tourism. The country faces challenges with environmental issues, such as rising sea levels and limited natural resources.

    Cultural Highlights

    The Marshall Islands have a rich Marshallese culture influenced by Micronesian and Western traditions. The islands are home to various languages, including Marshallese and English. Traditional practices, such as handicrafts, navigation, and canoe-building, remain important cultural elements.

    Pressing Challenges and Opportunities: The Marshall Islands face significant challenges, including climate change and rising sea levels, environmental degradation, and economic dependence on foreign aid. Opportunities exist in sustainable development, renewable energy, and preserving the unique cultural heritage.

    Travel Tips for the Marshall Islands

    Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Marshall Islands is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is sunny and pleasant.

    Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions, dress modestly, and ask permission before taking photographs of people or private property.

    Safety Precautions: The Marshall Islands are generally safe, but exercise caution, especially at night. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas, and follow local advice.

    Must-See Landmarks: Visit the Alele Museum to learn about Marshallese culture, explore the Jaluit Atoll for its stunning beaches and World War II remnants, and snorkel or dive in the Bikini Atoll lagoon.

    Culinary Experiences: Try local dishes like breadfruit, pandanus, and coconut-based dishes. Fresh seafood, especially tuna, is also a highlight.

    Living in the Marshall Islands

    Cost of Living: The cost of living in the Marshall Islands is relatively high due to the country’s reliance on imported goods. Housing, food, and utilities can be expensive, especially in urban areas like Majuro.

    Housing: Housing options range from traditional Marshallese thatched-roof dwellings to modern apartments and houses. Rent or purchase prices can be high, and availability may be limited.

    Healthcare: The healthcare system in the Marshall Islands is limited, with a few hospitals and clinics. For serious medical conditions, patients may need to travel to the United States or other countries.

Main facts

Location

The Marshall Islands, an island country in the northern Pacific Ocean, is situated about halfway between Hawaii and Australia. It lies in the Micronesian region and is composed of 29 atolls and five islands. The Marshall Islands are surrounded by the Philippine Sea to the west and the Federated States of Micronesia to the south.

Map References

The Marshall Islands are located in the Oceania region, in the central Pacific Ocean.

Area – Comparative

The Marshall Islands has a total land area of approximately 181 square kilometers (70 square miles), making it slightly larger than the city of Washington, D.C.

Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Being an island nation, the Marshall Islands has no land boundaries with other countries.

Coastline (if applicable)

The Marshall Islands have a total coastline of 370.4 kilometers (230.2 miles). The country is composed of numerous atolls, with beaches, lagoons, and coral reefs surrounding the islands.

Maritime Claims

The Marshall Islands claim territorial sea up to 12 nautical miles, an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles, and a maritime boundary that extends to the equidistant line with neighboring states.

Climate

The Marshall Islands have a hot and humid tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 32°C (81°F to 90°F) throughout the year. The islands experience a wet season from May to November and a drier season from December to April.

Terrain

The Marshall Islands consist of low-lying coral atolls and islands, with the highest elevation being no more than 10 meters (33 feet) above sea level. The islands are surrounded by lagoons and coral reefs.

Elevation Extremes

The lowest point is the Pacific Ocean at sea level, while the highest point is an unnamed elevation on Likiep Atoll, which reaches approximately 10 meters (33 feet) above sea level.

Natural Resources

The Marshall Islands have limited natural resources, primarily including coconut products, marine products, and deep-seabed minerals.

Major Bodies of Water

The Marshall Islands are surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. There are no significant lakes or rivers within the islands.

Natural Hazards

The Marshall Islands are prone to typhoons, with the risk of occasional tsunamis. Due to their low elevation, the islands are also vulnerable to sea level rise caused by climate change.

Geography – Notes

The Marshall Islands are spread across a vast area of the Pacific Ocean, with an Exclusive Economic Zone of over 2 million square kilometers (772,000 square miles). The islands face significant environmental challenges, including coastal erosion, pollution, and the effects of climate change, which threaten their long-term sustainability.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 70.20%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 143. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 63.90%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  7.131474171.184478.
  • Capital: The capital of Marshall Islands is  Majuro
  • Major Cities:
    • Majuro – Population: 27,797
    • Arno – Population: 2,069
    • Ebon – Population: 706
    • Jabor – Population: 453
  • Population: 58,791
  • Area(Km2): 181
  • Population Density( P/Km²):329. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:692
  • Official Language(s):Marshall Islands is mainly spoken in Marshallese and English, with Marshallese being the primary language spoken by around 98% of the population.
  • Currency: USD

Main Economic Indicators

The Marshall Islands’ economy is among the smallest and least diversified in the Pacific, with minimal prospects for sustainable economic growth. Its economy relies heavily on services, with tourism and fisheries being major sources of income. The country faces significant challenges, including limited natural resources, a narrow export base, environmental issues, and a reliance on foreign aid and imports for food and other necessities. The government has focused on developing the private sector and promoting tourism, but progress has been slow due to the remote location and lack of infrastructure.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

2021: 2.0% (Source: Asian Development Bank)
2020: -0.3% (Source: Asian Development Bank)

Credit Ratings

Moody’s: Not Rated
Standard & Poor’s: Not Rated
Fitch: Not Rated

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 10.9%
Industry: 9.9%
Services: 79.2%
(Source: CIA World Factbook)

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Coconuts, tomatoes, melons, fish
Industrial Products: Copra, fish, craft items, small appliances

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 11,230 (2020 est.)
Comparative Ranking: Not Available

Current Account Balance

2021: -$85 million (Source: CIA World Factbook)
2020: -$52 million (Source: CIA World Factbook)
Comparative Ranking: Not Available

Exports and Imports

Exports: $63.6 million (2021 est.)
Key Partners: United States, Japan, China
Main Commodities: Fish, coconut oil, machinery and equipment
Imports: $205.7 million (2021 est.)
Key Partners: United States, Japan, Singapore, China
Main Commodities: Machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $91.7 million (2021 est.)
Gold Reserves: Not Available

  • GDP (Current US$):$221,278,000. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 17.80%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 65.90%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $1.44. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $2.00. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): . It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Noun: Marshallese (plural)

Adjective: Marshallese

2. Ethnic Groups

  • Marshallese 92.1%
  • Mixed Marshallese 5.9%
  • Other 2%

3. Religions

  • Protestant 80.5%
  • Catholic 8.4%
  • Mormon 8.3%
  • Other Christian 1%
  • Other 2.8%

4. Age Structure

  • 0-14 years: 36.17%
  • 15-64 years: 59.87%
  • 65 years and over: 3.96%

5. Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 67.2

Youth dependency ratio: 60.4

Elderly dependency ratio: 6.6

6. Median Age

Total: 21.8 years

Male: 21.2 years

Female: 22.4 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

  • Obesity rate: 45.5% (2016)
  • Alcohol consumption: 2.4 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2010)
  • Tobacco use: 16.8% of adults (2015)
  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 65.2. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 54.1%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:29.03. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:8. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 2.7. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 48.9%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 45,514. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):10.00%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

The Marshall Islands have no formal military forces. The national security responsibilities lie with the following services:

Maritime Police

A small maritime police unit is responsible for law enforcement, maritime surveillance, and disaster response. It operates a few patrol boats and amphibious vessels.

National Police

The National Police force maintains internal security and law enforcement duties across the island nation.

Military Expenditures

The Marshall Islands has minimal military expenditures, estimated at 0.5% of GDP for the past five years. Its military spending ranks among the lowest globally.

Personnel Strengths

The Marshall Islands has no active military personnel. The Maritime Police and National Police forces have a combined strength of around 100 personnel.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

The Marshall Islands possesses a few small patrol boats and amphibious vessels operated by the Maritime Police for coastal surveillance and maritime law enforcement. It does not have any major military hardware or acquisitions planned.

Military Service Age and Obligation

The Marshall Islands has no military conscription or mandatory service obligations.

Military Deployments

The Marshall Islands does not have any overseas military deployments or involvement in international peacekeeping missions.

Strategic Military Notes

As a small island nation, the Marshall Islands’ security focus is on maritime domain awareness, law enforcement, and disaster response capabilities. It relies on its Compact of Free Association with the United States for defense and security guarantees.

  • Armed Forces Size: . Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.42
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): . This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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