Demographics
The Republic of the Marshall Islands covers an area of 181 square kilometres and comprises 29 atolls and five major islands that form two parallel groups: the Ratak (sunrise) chain and the Rali (sunset) chain. The Marshallese are of Micronesian origin. The matrilineal culture revolves around a complex system of clans and lineages tied to land ownership. The last census took place in 1999 and the next is scheduled for 2009. Therefore, available demographic data are either from the 1999 census or are estimates derived from it.
In the area of gender equality in primary and secondary education, the Marshall Islands is essentially on target to meet the Millennium Development Goals. Gross primary and secondary enrolment rates indicate female-to-male enrolment ratios of roughly 50:50. However, at both primary and secondary levels, female drop-out rates are higher than male, resulting in a higher proportion of males completing Grades 6, 8 and 12 than females. General consensus suggests that the increasing drop-out rates for females versus males are due to the following:
- the rise in teenage pregnancy rates;
- sociocultural expectations requiring females to be at home to help their parents take care of younger children and other family members;
- the high mobility of parents and families between islands, resulting in students being unable to complete the school year (both male and female); and
- cultural and familial expectations of young women requiring them to assist in events such as funerals, resulting in many students missing school for lengthy periods of time, often more than once during the school year (Unable to catch up, many students will simply drop out of school.).
The Marshall Islands is fortunate not to have extreme poverty and hunger. However, current surveys and socioeconomic indicators suggest that poverty and hardship are on the rise. This presents concerns as to whether the country has been developing, implementing and monitoring poverty reduction strategies and programmes appropriately.
Political situation
During the last election, conducted in November 2003, President, H.E. Kessai Note and ten ministers were elected and assumed their portfolios. The Minister for Health and Environment is the Honourable Alvin Jacklick.
The legislative branch of the Government consists of the Nitijela (Parliament), with an advisory council of high chiefs. The Nitijela has 33 members from 24 districts, elected for concurrent four-year terms. Members are called senators. The President is elected by the Nitijela from among its members and picks cabinet members from the Nitijela. The Republic of the Marshall Islands has four court systems: the Supreme Court, the High Court, district and community courts, and the traditional-rights courts. Trial is by jury or judge. The jurisdiction of the traditional-rights court is limited to cases involving titles or land rights, or other disputes arising from customary law and traditional practices.
Citizens of the Marshall Islands live with a relatively new democratic political system combined with a hierarchical traditional culture. The first two presidents were chiefs, while the current one is a commoner. The new Government, running on a reform platform, has publicly confirmed its commitment to an independent judiciary.
Socioeconomic situation
Government assistance from the United States of America is the mainstay of this tiny island economy. Agricultural production, primarily subsistence, is concentrated on small farms; the most important commercial crops are coconuts and breadfruit. Small-scale industry is limited to handicrafts, tuna processing and copra. The tourist industry, now a small source of foreign exchange employing less than 10% of the labour force, remains the best hope for future added income. The islands have few natural resources, and imports far exceed exports. Under the terms of the Amended Compact of Free Association, the United States will provide millions of dollars per year to the Marshall Islands (RMI) until 2023, at which time a Trust Fund made up of United States and RMI contributions will begin perpetual annual payouts. Government downsizing, drought, a drop in construction, the decline in tourism, and less income from the renewal of fishing licenses have held gross domestic product (GDP) growth to an average of 1% over the past decade.
Vulnerabilities and hazards
The country is affected by rising a sea level, desertification, pollution from ships, coral reef erosion and infrequent typhoons. Bikini and Enewetak atolls are former United States nuclear tests sites (67 atmospheric bomb tests from 1946 to 1958).