The Marshall Islands is an island nation located in the Pacific Ocean. As of 2017, its population was estimated to be around 55 thousand people. The economy is heavily dependent on fishing, with tuna being the main export. Foreign relations are largely positive, with strong ties to the United States and other countries in the region. Politically, the Marshall Islands has been led by President Hilda Heine since 2016. During her tenure, she has sought to strengthen the country’s economy and its engagement with other nations. While corruption remains an issue in 2017, the Marshall Islands continues to be seen as one of the most stable countries in Oceania. See militarynous for Marshall Islands military and defense.
Yearbook 2017
Marshall Islands. In January, a health disaster was announced after a large number of cases of hepatitis A, epidemic jaundice, were reported. The measure enabled the government to mobilize resources for preventive measures. In March, another epidemic broke out when at least 1,000 people were infected with mumps. A survey conducted by the UN Children’s Fund UNICEF in the fall showed that about one third of the country’s children suffered from inhibited growth due to poor nutritional intake. The report prompted President Hilda C. Heine and the government to launch a campaign to improve the diet and general health of the country’s children. See ABBREVIATIONFINDER for frequently used acronyms and abbreviations related to as well as country profile of Marshall Islands.
In August, the country’s former Foreign Minister Tony de Brum passed away at the age of 72. He made himself known for his work to fight climate change and to create a nuclear-free world, a fight that earned him and the Marshall Islands residents the Right Livelihood Awards 2015 honor.
According to Countryaah.com, the Marshall Islands was one of 17 countries and territories listed on the EU’s first “black list” of tax havens, published in December.
