Fact 1: They Number 1,156
The Marshall Islands consist of 1,156 individual islands and islets. Populated or not, each island has unique features and its own wealth of history dating back centuries. Now that's a lot of island hopping to do!
Fact 2: Chilling Reminders of WW2
During World War II, the islands were held by the Japanese. Later, the Marshall Islands became a significant battlefield, and many historical landmarks and artifacts from the time can still be found there today. It is an intriguing site for history buffs and curious visitors.
Fact 3: The Vegas of Micronesia
The Marshall Islands was once called the "Las Vegas of Micronesia" in the 1880s because of an influx of sailors, traders and explorers who brought with them goods, ideas, and forms of entertainment, a cultural melting pot that was both stimulating and destabilizing.
Fact 4: The Bikini Atoll Nuclear Tests
The Marshall Islands was the site of numerous nuclear tests conducted by the United States between 1946 and 1958, with the most famous being on Bikini Atoll. This site is now a World Heritage Site and a major spot for visitors.
Fact 5: Bravo, the Most Powerful U.S. Bomb
The hydrogen bomb dropped on Bikini Atoll named "Bravo" was the largest and most powerful bomb ever detonated by the U.S. It was about 1,000 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan.
Fact 6: Radioactive Coconuts
Post-nuclear tests, fallout caused damage to local agricultural products. Some coconut trees started producing radioactive coconuts, not harmful to humans, but a bizarre consequence of the atomic age.
Fact 7: A Matriarchal Society
In the Marshall Islands, descent and land rights are traced through maternal lineage. Women hold significant roles in decision-making processes, a notable distinction in a world where patriarchal societies often dominate.
Fact 8: The Stick Chart Navigators
Before the age of GPS, the Marshallese developed stick charts—maps made from sticks and shells—for navigation at sea. These charts depict wave patterns, currents, and other oceanic phenomena, instead of land, an innovative approach that confounds the modern mind.
Fact 9: Concrete Domes and Nuclear Waste
Runit Island in the Enewetak Atoll is home to a 350-foot-wide concrete dome, containing nuclear waste. It's a glaring reminder of the nuclear testing period and the unresolved issue of nuclear waste disposal.
Fact 10: Giant Clams Obsession
The Marshall Islands is home to the largest species of giant clams known as Tridacna Gigas. Locals take pride in their giant clam conservation efforts, with some communities having clam nurseries.
Fact 11: Marshallese Unique Language
The Marshallese speak their own unique language, also called Marshallese, another testament to the islands' rich cultural diversity.
Fact 12: Home to Numerous Endangered Species
The islands are home to numerous endangered species, including the green turtle, hawksbill turtle, and the Micronesian megapode—a bird that uses volcanic heat to incubate its eggs.
Fact 13: Delicious Breadfruit Dishes
Breadfruit is a staple food in the Marshall Islands. It's used in a variety of local dishes and even fermented into a traditional drink called jekaro.
Fact 14: Climate Change Battleground
The rising sea levels due to climate change pose a significant threat to the low-lying islands. Marshallese are on the front lines of climate change.
Fact 15: Lush Tropical Rainforests
Despite being more known for its beaches, parts of the Marshall Islands have lush tropical rainforests teeming with biodiversity, a paradise for nature lovers.
Fact 16: A Shallow Nation
None of the Marshall Islands rise more than 10 feet above sea level. It truly is a nation that's much closer to sea level than most.
Fact 17: Marshallese Tattoo Tradition
In the ancient tradition, Marshallese men would get tattoos as a rite of passage to adulthood. Meanwhile, women would get tattoos to enhance their beauty.
Fact 18: World Class Underwater Exploring
The Marshall Islands boasts excellent diving sites. The Bikini Atoll is particularly famous among divers who explore the sunken ships wrecked during the nuclear tests.
Fact 19: Basketball is a Major Sport
Basketball is hugely popular in the Marshall Islands. Almost every community has an outdoor basketball court, and tournaments often draw large crowds.
Fact 20: The Sovereign State
In 1986, the Marshall Islands signed its Compact of Free Association with the United States, resulting in the country's trust territory status and making it a sovereign state. It is now a democratic republic but maintains strong ties with the US.