Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The Marshall Islands is a country located in Micronesia consisting of 29 atolls and 5 isolated islands. It has a complex history including colonial rule and nuclear testing by various countries.
Related terms
Bikini Atoll: A specific atoll within the Marshall Islands that gained international attention due to nuclear bomb tests conducted there during the mid-20th century.
Kwajalein Atoll: One of the largest atolls in the world, it serves as a strategic military base for the United States.
Ratak Chain: A group of islands within the Marshall Islands that forms part of their easternmost boundary.