Global - Technology - Review

The Marshall Islands are a group of about thirty small islands and atolls lying in the Pacific to the north of the equator and east of Micronesia. With few natural resources, the economy depends on some limited agriculture and fish processing. Tourism is a major source of income. The islanders speak a language called Marshallese, and their ancestors were skilled ocean navigators; building the multi-hulled sailing canoes or proas is a part of the cultural heritage. Sails were woven from palm fronds. Marshallese society is based on membership of clans, and inheritance is matrilineal. Ancient legends are told in the roro, a traditional chant, sometimes accompanied by hourglass-shaped drums. Like other Pacific nations, the Marshalls are low-lying and suffer increasingly from the effects of climate change. There has been widespread flooding in recent years. Drought is also a problem. Majuro, the capital, is situated on the atoll of the same name. There are several hotels and an international airport. The Marshall Islands were the scene of U.S. nuclear tests. The small island of Elugelab was completely destroyed by the first test of a hydrogen bomb in 1952. As a result of this, islanders have suffered serious health problems.