Marshall Islands
Republic of the Marshall Islands
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.88%
As a microstate in Micronesia, Marshall Islands is home to just 42.4k people, making it one of the less populous countries in the world. Despite covering only 181 km², the territory records a density of 234 people per km². Its capital is Majuro, and official languages include English and Marshallese, while the United States dollar serves as the national currency.
Population
42,418
Area
181 km²
Density
234/km²
World Rank
#215
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 21.1 per thousand against deaths at 7 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 34.5% of residents under 15 and 4.6% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Majuro
- Region
- Oceania
- Subregion
- Micronesia
- Continent
- Oceania
- Languages
- English, Marshallese
- Currencies
- United States dollar ($)
- Calling Code
- +692
- Top-Level Domain
- .mh
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+12:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 42,418
- Land Area
- 181 km²
- Population Density
- 234 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.88%
- Annual Growth
- +373 people
- Daily Growth
- +1 people
- World Population Share
- 0.00%
- Coordinates
- 9.00°, 168.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $7.7k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—below the global average of $12.5k. The Gini index of 35.5 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
66.9 years
GDP per Capita
$7,726
Birth Rate
21.1 per 1,000
Death Rate
7.0 per 1,000
Urban Population
78.7%
Fertility Rate
2.92 births/woman
Infant Mortality
23.5 per 1,000
Literacy Rate
95.8%
Internet Users
65.7%
Under 15
34.5%
Over 65
4.6%
Health Spending
13.4% GDP
Gini Index
35.5
Age Distribution
0-14 years
15K
15-64 years
26K
65+ years
2K
Urbanization
Urbanization is well advanced, with roughly 78.7% of the population residing in towns and cities, above the global mean of 56%. Majuro serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net emigration of 1698.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
33,396
78.7%
9,022
21.3%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 66.9 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 23.5 per thousand live births, roughly in line with the global average. The literacy rate of 95.8% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Marshall Islands is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Marshall Islands participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 42,418 |
| 2030 | 43,921 |
| 2035 | 45,853 |
| 2040 | 47,848 |
| 2045 | 49,911 |
| 2050 | 52,045 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Marshall Islands?
The population of Marshall Islands is approximately 42,418 as of 2026, making it #215 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Marshall Islands?
The capital of Marshall Islands is Majuro.
What languages are spoken in Marshall Islands?
The main languages spoken in Marshall Islands are English, Marshallese.
How big is Marshall Islands?
Marshall Islands covers an area of 181 km² with a population density of 234 people per km².
Is Marshall Islands growing or shrinking?
Marshall Islands is growing at a rate of 0.88% per year, adding approximately 373 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Marshall Islands?
The average life expectancy in Marshall Islands is 66.9 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Marshall Islands?
The GDP per capita of Marshall Islands is $7,726.