Marshall Islands

Marshall Islands, 2 curving chains, each about 650 mi (1,050 km) in length, of altogether 34 coral atolls and islands in the west central Pacific: the eastern Radak (Sunrise) chain and the western Ralik (Sunset) chain. Formerly Japanese, the islands were self-governing in free association with the United States from 1986–90, when the islands became independent. Their total land area is 70 sq mi (180 sq km). The main atolls are Majuro, Amo, Ailinglaplap, Jaluit, and Kwajalein, which the United States uses as a missile range. After World War II the United States used the Eniwetok and Bikini atolls as atomic testing grounds. The island's population is predominantly Micronesian. Breadfruit is the main crop, and copra (dried coconut meat) is the chief export. The islands are named for a British sea captain, John Marshall, who discovered them in 1788.