IMF, IMO, Interpol, ITU, OPCW (signatory),
Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO

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

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador
Michael J. SENKO embassy: Oceanside, Mejen Weto, Long Island, Majuro
mailing address: P. O. Box 1379, Majuro,
[692] 247-4011 FAX:
Flag description: blue with two stripes radiating from the lower
hoist-side corner - orange (top) and white; there is a white star with
four large rays and 20 small rays on the hoist side above the two stripes

Economy Marshall Islands

Economy - overview: US Government assistance is the mainstay of this tiny
island economy. Agricultural production is primarily subsistence and
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 labor 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
Compact of Free Association, the US provides roughly $39 million in annual
aid. Negotiations have continued for an extended agreement. Government
downsizing, drought, a drop in construction, the decline in tourism and
foreign investment due to the Asian financial difficulties, and less
income from the renewal of fishing vessel licenses have held GDP growth
to an average of 1% over the past decade.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $115 million (2001 est.)

GDP - real growth rate: 1% (2001 est.)

GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $1,600 (2001 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 14% industry: 16% services:
70% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line: NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.9% (1999 est.)

Labor force: 28,698

Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 21.4%, industry 20.9%,
services 57.7%

Unemployment rate: 30.9% (1999 est.)

Budget: revenues: $42 million expenditures: $40 million, including
capital expenditures of $NA (1999)

Industries: copra, fish, tourism, craft i