A small group of islands that are scattered over 750,000 square miles in the North Pacific, the Marshall Islands are made up of only around 70 square miles, making it one of the smallest nations in the world today. Made up of 29 low laying coral atolls and 5 islands, the population today on this small island nation is just over 50,000.
Though the history may be a bit clouded, one thing that most agree on is that the islands were probably first settled around 3,000 years ago by migratory people from Southeast Asia who landed and then stayed on the islands becoming the the permanent population. In the 1500’s, the first European settlers arrived and by 1874, the islands were claimed by Spain. In the 1940’s, the Japanese assumed control of islands, but in 1947, the U.S. took control and on May 1, 1979, the U.S. recognized the Constitution of the Marshall Islands and they took control of themselves. Today, the islands are referred to as a presidential republic in free association with the United States. For this reason, the islands use the U.S. dollar as their main source of currency making it much simpler for travel than other foreign countries in the Pacific.
People that travel to this part of the world are well advised to know where you want to visit before you go as the islands and atolls make up such a huge amount of space. To help you do just this, take a look at some of the most well known and popular destinations within the region for travelers today.
The Islands Geography
Made up of two major chains, the islands and atolls are divided into the Ratak or sunrise group and the Ralik or sunset group. Within the Ratak Chain:
Bokak(Taongi)
Bikar
Utirik
Toke
Mejit
Ailuk
Jemo
Likiep
Wotje
Erikub
Maloelap
Aur
Majuro
Arno
Mili
Knox (Nadikdik)
Making up the Ralik group are:
Enewetak
Ujelang
Bikini
Rongerik
Rongelap
Ailinginae
Wotho
Ujae
Lae
Kwajalein
Lib
Namu
Jabat
Ailinglaplap
Jaluit
Kili
Namorik
Ebon
Travelers choosing to visit the Marshall Islands often enjoy exploring the more natural world however, in the capital of Majuro, visitors can shop, dine and enjoy the small city life of this culturally rich and unique area of the world. Snorkeling, swimming, diving, trekking and exploring are just some of the many ways you can explore this small island nation. Relaxing and like no other, the Marshall islands retain the “traditional” feel of the tropical Pacific. Enjoy a real Pacific experience on this, one of the smallest nations in the world today.
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