• Solomon Islands!

    Solomon Islands: Looking up at palm trees. Go Now!

    Solomon Islands
    This Melanesian country is best known for its many islands and beaches... and this natural landscape (pictured) is why most people go. Don't miss out on the unique Melanesian culture and foods though! Begin Your Journey!

  • Tonga!

    Tonga: Coastline. Go Now!

    Tonga
    The heart of Polynesian culture is rooted in Tonga, but most visitors just come for the natural beauty. Explore Tonga!

  • Vanuatu!

    Vanuatu: Jetty into the ocean. Go Now!

    Vanuatu
    Picturesque serenity is a good way to describe Vanuatu, but the culture offers much more, including the inspiration for bungee jumping, which remains a rite of passage for young men. Explore Vanuatu!

  • Palau!

    Palau: "70 Islands!" Go Now!

    Palau
    Few people have even heard of this small Micronesian country, but those who have often return with stories of beauty unmatched elsewhere, such as view of the "70 Islands" (pictured). Go Now!

  • Explore the: Federated States of Micronesia!

    Federated States of Micronesia: Overlooking some islands. Go Now!

    Federated States of Micronesia
    This diverse country stretches for thousands of miles and has the diversity to prove it, including the people from Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Yap among others. Begin Your Journey!

  • Samoa!

    Samoa: A traditional home. Go Now!

    Samoa
    Among the most famous of the South Pacific's many countries, Samoa sits in the heart of Polynesia and has a culture to match. Begin Your Journey!

Marshall IslandsThe Marshall Islands are named after British Captain John Marshall, who saw the islands 1788. The local name is Aolepān Aorōkin Ṃajeḷ, with Aolepān meaning "all or entire," Aorōkin means "valuable or important", and Ṃajeḷ means "muscle."

Aolepān Aorōkin M̧ajeļ

Introduction:

The people on the Marshall Islands have lived off the land for nearly as long as they have lived on the islands. Numerous waves of people immigrated in early history, each slightly changing the ethnicity, language, and culture. What these people eventually created is the Marshallese language and ethnicity today, which is a Micronesian language and ethnicity. While the historic culture and lifestyle are still rooted in the people and way of life, modern changes and influences have altered the country vastly today.

Most of the Marshallese are Micronesian, giving the people a great number of similarities to other Micronesian people, particularly with people from the Gilbert Islands in Kiribati and the many of the people living in the Federated States of Micronesia. All these people likely relied heavily on the lands as their historic lifestyle was focused on the lands and seas around them for survival.

With the arrival of the Europeans, the culture and lifestyle in the Marshall Islands changed. The Spanish, Germans, and later the Japanese settled the islands to a degree, primarily for economic gain. They introduced new technologies as well as new foods, languages, and other cultural aspects. However, one of their most lasting and important influences came with the introduction of Christianity. Nearly everyone in the country today is Christian and this religion changed the people's mindset, their dress, and more.

These minor, but ever-changing introductions have continued into the present as the Marshall Islands have a partnership with the United States. Although the people remain tied to the lands and seas in so many ways, they are regularly adopting new technology and continuously change as they become more globalized, such as the push to learn English as a second language.

Information for the Marshall Islands was last updated: March, 2014 ● View our: Sources & Special Thanks