The Marshalls are comprised of 29 atolls and five major islands, which form two parallel groups--the "Ratak" (sunrise) chain and the "Ralik"(sunset) chain. Two-thirds of the nation's population lives in Majuro and Ebeye. The outer islands are sparsely populated due to lack of employment opportunities and economic development.

The Marshallese are of Micronesian origin, which is traced to a combination of peoples who emigrated from Southeast Asia in the remote past. The matrilineal Marshallese culture revolves around a complex system of clans and lineages tied to land ownership.

Virtually all Marshallese are Christian, most of them Protestant. Other Christian denominations include Roman Catholic, Seventh-day Adventist, Mormon, Salvation Army, and Jehovah's Witness. A small Bahai community also exists.

Both Marshallese and English are official languages. English is spoken by most of the urban population. However, both the Nitijela (parliament) and national radio use Marshallese.

The public school system provides education through grade 12, although admission to secondary school is selective. The elementary program employs a bilingual/bicultural curriculum. English is introduced in the fourth grade. Many Marshallese and American observers have lamented the poor state of the public education system as a major stumbling block to economic development. The Marshall Islands' largest secondary institution--the 2-year College of the Marshall Islands--experienced U.S. accreditation problems between 2003 and 2008. However, thanks to an increase in funding, it has shown steady improvement and is heading toward full accreditation. The University of the South Pacific offers courses at a small campus on Majuro. Specialties taught on campus are marine resources and nursing as well as basic undergraduate education courses.

Nationality: Noun and adjective--Marshallese.
Population (2009 estimate by RMI Government health ministry): 61,300. (Figures do not include Marshallese in the U.S., who are located primarily in Hawaii, Oregon, California, and Arkansas).
Annual growth rate (2008): 2.14% (due to high annual emigration); RMI Government health ministry reported 2008 birth rate of 4.54%.
Ethnic groups: 90% Marshallese, 10% estimated U.S., Filipino, Chinese, New Zealander, Australian, other Micronesian (FSM), Kiribati, Korean, and Fijian.
Religions: Christian, mostly Protestant.
Languages: Two major Marshallese dialects from Malayo-Polynesian family; English.
Education: Literacy (2002)--98% (officially based on question, "Do you read the bible?").
Health: Infant mortality rate--(2006) 3.0% Majuro and Ebeye, 9.4% on outer atolls. Life expectancy--men 65.7 yrs.; women 69.4 yrs.
Work force (2006) 25,706 of working age: 39% employed, 61% unemployed or inactive. National and local government and government enterprises--45.9%; private enterprise and non-profits--41%; USAKA and foreign embassies--13%.