Marshall Islands Travel and Tourism Guide
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Travel Notes: Oceania - Marshall Islands Travel Notes.
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Marshall Islands Travel and Tourism on Travel Notes
Find Marshall Islands Travel and Tourist Information with links to official travel and tourism websites and state resources for visitors to the Marshall Islands.
About The Marshall Islands
The Republic of the Marshall Islands consists of 29 coral atolls and 5 small low-lying islands in the central Pacific, about half-way between Australia and Hawaii.
The Marshall Islands is an unique and beautiful country with a resilient population that continues to preserve its culture and adapt to the challenges it faces.
Mapping The Marshall
Islands
The Marshall Islands are split into two main groups: the south-eastern, Ratak chain; and the north-western, Ralik chain.
45,000 Marshallese live life simply, surrounded by 1.3 million sq. km of clear blue water.
Ralik Chain
Ailinginae Atoll, Ailinglaplap Atoll, Bikini Atoll, Ebon Atoll, Enewetak Atoll, Jabat Island, Jaluit Atoll, Kili Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Lae Atoll, Lib Island, Namorik Atoll, Namu Atoll, Rongelap Atoll, Rongerik Atoll, Ujae Atoll, Ujelang Atoll, Wotho Atoll.
Ratak Chain
Ailuk Atoll, Arno Atoll, Aur Atoll, Bikar Atoll, Bokak Atoll, Erikub Atoll, Jemo Island, Likiep Atoll, Majuro Atoll, Maloelap Atoll, Mejit Island, Mili Atoll, Nadikdik Atoll, Toke Atoll, Utirik Atoll, Wotje Atoll.
Marshall Islands Overview
The Marshall Islands is a country located in the Pacific Ocean, specifically in Micronesia.
Climate Change
The Marshall Islands, like many other low-lying island nations, faces significant challenges due to climate change.
Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events pose a threat to the country's land, infrastructure, and way of life.
The Marshall Islands has been actively involved in global climate change discussions, advocating for stronger international action to mitigate its impacts.
Culture
The Marshallese people have a rich cultural heritage.
They have a matrilineal kinship system, which means family lineage is traced through the mother's side.
Traditional Marshallese culture places great importance on communal living, extended families, and respect for elders.
Economy
The economy of the Marshall Islands is small and heavily reliant on external aid and government spending.
The country's main sources of revenue come from financial assistance provided by the United States and income generated through fishing licenses and the shipping registry.
Tourism and agriculture, including the cultivation of coconuts and breadfruit, also contribute to the economy.
History
The islands were originally inhabited by Micronesian settlers around 2,000 years ago.
European exploration of the area began in the 16th century, and the islands were later colonised by Germany in the late 19th century.
After World War I, the islands came under Japanese control until they were occupied by the United States during World War II.
The Marshall Islands gained independence in 1986 as a sovereign nation under a Compact of Free Association with the United States.The people have a strong connection to the ocean and engage in activities such as fishing, canoeing, and weaving traditional handicrafts.
Language
The official languages of the Marshall Islands are Marshallese and English.
Marshallese, a Micronesian language, is widely spoken by the local population.
Nuclear Testing
The Marshall Islands played a significant role in the history of nuclear testing.
Following World War II, the United States conducted a series of nuclear tests in the region between 1946 and 1958.
The most notable of these tests was the detonation of the hydrogen bomb, code-named 'Castle Bravo', which caused significant environmental and health impacts on the local population.
Ratak and Ralik Chains
The capital island is Majuro, in the Ratak chain.
It was also the first Japanese possession captured during the Second World War.
Map of Majuro
Marshall Islands Transportation
The Marshall Islands does not have a public transportation system, but shared public taxis are available in the capital city of Majuro .
Travel between Majuro and the outer islands is typically done by local air transport , which may be unreliable, or by boat.
It's important to note that boat travel can be particularly hazardous from December to April due to strong currents and potential storm surges.
Marshall Islands Tourism
Known for its stunning turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and abundant marine life, the Marshall Islands offers a tropical paradise for visitors.
It's worth noting that the Marshall Islands are relatively remote, and tourism infrastructure might be limited compared to more popular destinations.
However, if you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path tropical experience with beautiful scenery and an unique culture, the Marshall Islands can be a fantastic destination to explore.
Alele Museum
Dedicated to preserving the history, traditions, and culture of the Marshall Islands, the Alele Museum in Majuro is the national museum, public library, and national archive of the Marshall Islands.
The museum is named after the Alele, a precious hand-woven traditional basket made from the native pandanus plant. It is focused on preserving the folk arts, traditional skills, historic accounts, and oral traditions of the Marshall Islands.
The Alele Museum plays a significant role in promoting and educating visitors about the rich cultural heritage of the Marshall Islands. It is a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike, providing insights into the history and traditions of the country.
Best Time to Visit The Marshall Islands
The Marshall Islands have a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round.
The dry season from December to April is generally considered the best time to visit, as the weather is more predictable, and there's less chance of rainfall.
Entry Requirements
Before visiting the Marshall Islands, make sure to check the entry requirements.
Most visitors need a valid passport and may require a visa depending on their nationality.
It's recommended to contact the nearest Marshall Islands embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.
Local Cuisine
Don't miss the opportunity to try Marshallese cuisine during your visit.
Traditional dishes often include seafood, coconut, and taro.
Some popular dishes to try are lobster, grilled fish, coconut bread, and pandanus juice.
Majuro Atoll
Majuro Atoll, where the capital and largest city of the Marshall Islands is located, is the most developed and populated area in the country.
Majuro offers beautiful beaches, great snorkelling and diving opportunities, and a chance to experience the local culture.
Outdoor Activities
The Marshall Islands is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Snorkelling and diving are popular activities due to the abundance of coral reefs and marine life.
Fishing, kayaking, and boat tours are also available to explore the surrounding islands and atolls.
Visiting Marshall Islands
Visas are not required for US, FSM and Palau citizens.
Everyone else who wants to visit the Marshall islands is charged $25 for a 3 month tourist visa, or $50 for a business visa.
Air Marshall Islands
In 1980, when the Airline of the Marshall Islands was launched, two small Nomad aircraft provided travel to just a few inter-island destinations.
Marshal Islands Visitors
Authority:
The Republic of the Marshall Islands covers nearly a million square miles of coral atolls,
islands and deep blue ocean and is one of the most unique places in the world to visit.
Ailinglaplap Atoll
Ailinglaplap is the traditional home of the Iroij (traditional leaders) of the Marshall Islands.
It's a remote atoll with stunning scenery, including pristine beaches and lush vegetation.
Ailinglaplap offers a glimpse into the traditional Marshallese way of life and is an excellent place for cultural immersion.
Bikini Atoll
Some of the atolls saw three years of heavy fighting during World War II and controversy still arises whenever there's an another nuclear testing.
While the atoll is currently uninhabited due to radiation, it's possible to arrange tours and visits to the area to learn about its history and see remnants of the tests.
The Bomb:
Theodore Taylor, a deck officer during the Bikini testing, has written a
fascinating novel that brings home the absurdity and tragedy of the
atomic bomb tests.
The Largest Atoll
Kwajalein Atoll:
A beautiful aerial view of the largest atoll and further information
from the pacific missile range facility.
Marshall Islands in Oceania
Pacific Islands Travel Guides - Pacific Maps.
Weather in The Pacific:
Local weather forecasts for destinations around the Pacific region.
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