Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands experienced a significant economic downturn in 2023, evidenced by a substantial negative GDP growth rate. This level of contraction suggests major internal or external shocks, potentially related to dependency on external aid, fishing licenses, or the lingering effects of global economic instability on small island states.

Despite being a small nation composed primarily of atolls, the Marshall Islands exhibits a very high rate of urbanization, with over three-quarters of the population living in urban centers like Majuro. This concentration puts immense pressure on limited infrastructure and resources in these specific areas, contrasting sharply with the vast, sparsely populated outer islands.

The infant mortality rate in the Marshall Islands is significantly high at 23.5 per 1,000 live births, indicating major challenges in maternal and child healthcare access and quality. This figure is far above the average for high-income countries and suggests urgent public health intervention is needed despite relatively high GDP per capita.

A notable achievement for the Marshall Islands is achieving 100% access to electricity across the population. This level of infrastructure coverage is crucial for development and quality of life, particularly impressive given the logistical difficulties of providing power across scattered islands and atolls.