Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands consist of two chains of coral atolls, together with more than 1,000 islets, just north of the Equator.

The atolls are coral deposits on the crater rims of submerged volcanoes.

The islands were occupied by the US for several decades after World War II. They are now a sovereign nation under a Compact of Free Association with the US.

The compact came into force in 1986 and was renegotiated in 2003. The US controls the security and defence of the islands, which receive millions of dollars in aid every year.

Under the compact, the US pays an annual rent to use the Kwajalein atoll as a base and missile test range.

The legacy of the post-war US occupation is seen particularly starkly on Bikini and Enewetak, which were both used for nuclear weapons testing between 1946 and 1958.

The US paid $150 million in a compensation package for the test victims in the 1980s.

But whilst Enewetak has been partly decontaminated, Bikini is still uninhabitable. The Marshall Islands has petitioned for additional compensation.

A major problem for the islands is how to gain some measure of financial independence from the US. Imports dwarf exports, unemployment is high and many islanders live by subsistence farming.

Tourism is one option; unspoiled beaches abound and the islands are an ideal base for scuba diving and sports fishing.

The islands also sell fishing rights to other countries, and offer ship registrations under the Marshall Islands flag.

Facts

    * Full name: Republic of the Marshall Islands

    * Population: 54,400 (UN, 2010)

    * Capital: Majuro

    * Area: 181 sq km (70 sq miles)

    * Major language: Marshallese, English

    * Major religion: Christianity

    * Life expectancy: 67 years (men), 71 years (women) (UN)

    * Monetary unit: 1 US dollar = 100 cents

    * Main exports: Chilled and frozen fish, coconut oil, copra, shark fins

    * GNI per capita: US $3,450 (World Bank, 2010)

    * Internet domain: .mh

    * International dialling code: +692

Leaders

President: Christopher Loeak

Veteran politician Christopher Loeak was elected as president by parliament in January 2012.

Mr Loeak, a cabinet minister in previous governments and a member of parliament for 25 years, was elected by 21-11 in the MPs' vote which followed confirmation of results in the general election at the end of 2011.

He became a senator in 1985 and has served in different capacities including as minister of justice, minister of social services, minister of education, and as minister in assistance to the president under former President Litokwa Tomeing.

Mr Loeak is the Marshall Islands' sixth president. He suceeded Jurelang Zedkaia.

From : BBC News