Marshall Islands: Asian Development Bank Member Fact Sheet 2018 Updated

Abstract

Just 181 square kilometers in area, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) lies amid a rich fishery region in the North Pacific. The RMI contains over 1,000 islets grouped together into 29 atolls and 5 single islands. While the capital, Majuro, and the atoll of Ebeye are highly urbanized, small populations are dispersed across the country’s outer atolls. Annual grant assistance to the RMI under the Compact of Free Association with the United States (the Compact) has been diminishing since 2003. After the Compact grant period expires in 2023, the RMI is expected to complement domestic revenues with returns from the Compact Trust Fund, which receives annual savings from fiscal surpluses and contributions from development partners.