 Map of the Marshall Islands | |
 | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Oceania |
| Coordinates | 9°00′N 168°00′E / 9.000°N 168.000°E |
| Adjacent to | Pacific Ocean |
| Total islands | 1,152 |
| Area | 181.3 km2 (70.0 sq mi) |
| Coastline | 370.4 km (230.16 mi) |
| Administration | |
| Largest settlement | Majuro |
| Additional information | |
| Time zone |
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The Marshall Islands consist of two archipelagic island chains of 30 atolls and 1,152 islands, which form two parallel groups—the "Ratak" (sunrise) chain and the "Ralik" (sunset) chain. The Marshalls are located in the North Pacific Ocean and share maritime boundaries with Micronesia and Kiribati. Two-thirds of the nation's population lives in the capital of Majuro and the settlement of Ebeye. The outer islands are sparsely populated due to lack of employment opportunities and economic development.