• 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!

Culture & Identity of the Marshall Islands

Introduction

The towns in the Marshall Islands are growing rather quickly and today nearly three quarters of the population are considered "urban," although these cities are still small and better reflect a small town in most other countries. Due to this, most of the people live a life that is fairly rural and remains tied to the land and seas.

For most of the Marshallese, no matter their occupation, work starts at about 8:30 and runs until about 4:30 pm. For the farmers, fishers, and some others, there seems to be some time each day spent farming or fishing in order to provide food for your family.

Evenings and weekends tend to be spent with family and friends in the Marshall Islands as time tends to be spent in homes as opposed to going out to a restaurant, bar, or other form of entertainment.

Identity

The people of the Marshall Islands tend to identify with being Marshallese. This identity is strongly tied to the country itself, but is more engrained in the culture of the people. More than the ethnicity, language, and food of the people, the Marshallese identity is heavily invested in the mentality of the people, with a dependence on the land and seas around them. With rising water levels this attitude and identity is becoming more tied to environmental issues. On a secondary level the ethnicity and other aspects of the culture are also important in defining what it means to be Marshallese.

This page was last updated: November, 2013