Marshall Islands

One of the Pacific Island countries, the Republic of the Marshall Islands became independent in 1986, though the island nation was self-governing as early as 1979. The country is made up of 29 atolls and five islands, with an estimated population of 70,983, as of July 2014. The islands have a long history of relations with the United States, as well as an issue with rising poverty and difficulty in development.

Prior to independence, the Marshall Islands were a part of the United Nations Trust Territory and were placed under the stewardship of the United States. This trusteeship agreement came to an end when the country became independent, and it was at this point that the Compact of Free Association was formed between the two countries. ...