The Marshall Islands are a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean belonging to Micronesia. Once used for nuclear weapons tests, today they are an insider tip for a holiday in the Pacific with their beautiful reefs and underwater world. Unfortunately, the Marshall Islands are also severely threatened by rising sea levels worldwide. See andyeducation for education in Marshal Islands.
| Capital City | Majuro |
| Size | 181 km² |
| Resident | 70.000 |
| Official Language | Marshallese, English |
| Currency | US-Dollar |
| Time Zone | UTC+12 |
| Telephone Area Code | +692 |
Fast facts to know
- Consists of 2 parallel atolls
- 1225 islands and 870 reefs
- The land surface is on average 2 meters above sea level
- Threatened with sinking due to sea level rise
- Used for nuclear and hydrogen bomb testing after WWII
- Identified as a blacklisted tax haven by the EU in 2016
- Considered an insider tip in Pacific tourism
- The two island chains of the Marshall Islands are called Ratak (sunrise) and Ralik (sunset)
- Breathtaking South Sea atolls and colorful underwater worlds
- Since 2010, the former nuclear test area has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a protected area
- The three main islands of Majuro Atoll are connected by causeways
- Sparse vegetation, manageable wildlife (bats, Polynesian rats), but very rich underwater world
- Entry visa (30 days) will be issued upon proof of sufficient cash and return (onward) travel ticket
Exciting cities in the Marshall Islands
- Majuro
- Ebeye
- jabor
- Wotje
History of the Marshall Islands
- Settled around 2,000 years before Christ
- In 1526 the first European navigator discovered the islands
- Visited by English Captain John Marshall in 1788, after which they were later named
- 1850s proselytizing
- Establishment of coconut plantations by German merchants
- From 1906 part of the German New Guinea colony
- 1914 Conquest by Japan
- 1944 Conquest by the USA
- 1979 independent republic
- Fully independent under international law since 1990
Climate & travel weather on the Marshall Islands
- Tropical humid climate all year round
- High humidity of 85%
- Water temperatures 28° – 30° C
- Short, heavy rain showers possible at any time
- Tropical cyclones possible between Sep and Nov (though rare)
- May – Nov more precipitation than in dry season from Dec – Apr
- Best travel time:
- December – April, as there is less precipitation and mostly perfect bathing conditions
Ideas for trips in the Marshall Islands
- Sonnen am Laura Beach
- deep sea fishing
- Diving the reefs of the Bikini Atolls
- Visit the wrecks and remnants of WWII
- Alele National Museum on Uliga
- On Delap you will find many hotels, restaurants, shops and leisure facilities
- Visit mussel farms
- Travel back in time on the Arno Atoll
Eating & Drinking in the Marshall Islands
- Breadfruit as a staple food
- Fish as the main food source
- Often used: pandan nut (screw tree), swamp tare, coconut
- Typical dishes:
- Barramundi cod cooked in banana leaves
- Roasted chestnuts
- roast Chicken
- Fried shrimp
- Palm thief (world’s largest terrestrial crab species) as a local delicacy
Particularly scenic
- Laura Beach
- Bikini-Atoll
- Mili Islands
