tive: Marshallese

Ethnic divisions: Micronesian

Religions: Christian (mostly Protestant)

Languages: English (universally spoken and is the official
language), two major Marshallese dialects from the Malayo-Polynesian
family, Japanese

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.)
total population: 93%
male: 100%
female: 88%

Government
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Name of country:
conventional long form: Republic of the Marshall Islands
conventional short form: Marshall Islands
former: Marshall Islands District (Trust Territory of the Pacific
Islands)

Data code: RM

Type of government: constitutional government in free association
with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 21
October 1986

Capital: Majuro

Administrative divisions: none

Independence: 21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN
trusteeship)

National holiday: Proclamation of the Republic of the Marshall
Islands, 1 May (1979)

Constitution: 1 May 1979

Legal system: based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the
legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government: President Amata KABUA (since
NA 1979) was elected for a four-year term by the Nitijela from among
its own members; election last held 20 November 1995 (next to be
held NA 1999); results - President Amata KABUA was reelected
cabinet: Cabinet; president selects from among the members of
Parliament

Legislative branch: unicameral
Parliament (Nitijela): elections last held 20 November 1995 (next to
be held NA November 1999); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (33
total) seats by party NA

Judicial branch: Supreme Court; High Court

Political parties and leaders:
government: Our Islands Party, President Amata KABUA
opposition: Ralik/Ratak Democratic Party (RRDP), Ramsey REIMERS

International organization participation: AsDB, ESCAP, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, IDA, IFC, IMF, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol,
Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO

Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant)
chancery: 2433 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 234-5414
FAX: [1] (202) 232-3236
consulate(s) general: Honolulu and Los Angeles

US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador Joan PLAISTED
embassy: Oceansid