# data[].attributes.body
Outer atolls of the Marshall Islands still heavily reply on handicraft productions and limited commercial fisheries and farming activities. The Marshall Islands in general also rely heavily on the U.S. government due to a high military presence on the Islands. The Marshall Islands are used for missile base trainings which is where majority of the Marshall Islands money comes from.

Each atoll should integrate a unique production which can cause tourism to increase.  By increasing tourism it promotes and educates visitors of the Marshall Islands lifestyles. Visitors can learn how to make handcrafted items by the Marshall Island natives if each atoll creates classes or activities that visitors can attend.  This could help increase trades and investments made in the Marshall Islands increasing their economy as a whole.

# data[].attributes.body
Deep sea mining could help increase their exports and revenues.  Deep sea mining is when you take minerals from underneath the sea such as metals which can be smelted down and used for different commodities depending on who they are sold to.
By participating in deep sea mining, this could open up more opportunities for them and being able to use their profit to their benefit.

# data[].attributes.body
Primary Education:
Education is free from the ages 6 -14 years old, however most will stop at the age of 12 years old. Though the Marshall Islands have their own language, students are taught in the English.

Secondary Education:
There are only two high schools on the Marshall Island. Students must take an admission examination to attend one of the two high schools.

Post- Secondary Education:
The College of the Marshall Islands offers an Associates of Arts (education and liberal arts) and Associate of Science programs (nursing, business, architecture, and engineering). There are also one-semester certificate programs that are offered. Most students would leave the Marshall Islands and continue their education at colleges and universities in the United States.

# data[].attributes.body
Should continue beyond 2023 expiration of 1986 Compact, due to heavy reliance

Should also further target damages due to flooding and climate change

# data[].attributes.body
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has increased its water quality testing, however, steps need to be taken to make sure the water quality is maintained.
The importance of water, sanitation, and hygiene should be addressed in schools and in the community to raise awareness of its effects on one's health and environment.
To reduce water contamination, fecal waste needs to be managed. This can be done by teaching in schools and community settings correct techniques for disposing of waste. There should also be increased access to and use of handwashing facilities with soap and clean water.
This can help prevent diarrhea, cholera, typhoid fever, or some antibiotic-resistant infections.

# data[].attributes.body
The Marshall Islands uses USD as their currency

# data[].attributes.body
If the Marshall Islands used some of the foreign aid to develop more farms, they could rely more on fresh produce and less on imported processed foods.
The US should adjust their trade policies so that the Marshall Islands has more control over the items they import.

# data[].attributes.body
Economy is primarily agricultural

Coconuts

Fish

Breadfruit

Tuna processing

Have few natural resources, thus heavily rely on imports (ex. U.S.)

# data[].attributes.body
Diabetes & Ischemic heart disease
These are the most common causes of death because the diet in the Marshall Islands heavily relies on imported highly processed foods from the US.

Cancer is also a very common cause of death.
This is a result of the high levels of radiation left by the US nuclear testing.

# data[].attributes.body
35% of children under 5 are moderately or severely stunted in growth. The high prices of imported goods result in poor nutrition. Their diets mostly consist of pre-packaged junk food and lack fresh fruits and vegetables. There are long-term effects of stunting and malnutrition that are irreversible. Child malnutrition can lead to cognitive and linguistic delays. This does not only affect their performance in school but over their entire lifetime. When children are not able to get the most out of their education due to their delays, it can lead to being stuck in a poverty trap.

# data[].attributes.body
Growing population

Need to make sure there is enough resources to support the young

# data[].attributes.body
50% of the government's revenue

More than $80M from U.S. annually

Have recently been more focused on climate change-related assistance

Aid agreement with U.S. through 1986 Compact set to expire in 2023

Projected to be renewed to continue

Major issues of aid dependency

# data[].attributes.body
At least 13% of the GDP is made up of personal remittances, money people working abroad send to family back home

# data[].attributes.body
https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.GROW?end=2021&locations=MH&start=1961

# data[].attributes.body
In 1986 US Congress passed the the Compact of Free Association, or COFA. The US did this to partially apologize for using the islands as a nuclear testing sight in the 40s and 50s and possibly to recruit more people into the military. The US was conveniently involved in wars in the Middle East at the time and had recently received heavy anti-war protesting, so this act could have been a means to draw in new bodies.

# data[].attributes.body
This policy resulted in a steep population decline in the Marshall Islands for about 12 years. The population has never recovered and suffered another less drastic decline in the 2000s

People left for the US for better economic opportunities. Many enlisted in the US Army

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Source: NYT, n.d. The dangerous rising sea levels continue endanger the Marshallese people and their homes.

# data[].attributes.body
The Marshall Islands are primarily atolls. Due to the rising sea levels and frequent flooding, families have been feeling like they're living underwater.

Eventually, the entire island could go under if no action is taken against climate change.

# data[].attributes.body
The primary source of natural fresh water to the Marshall Islands comes from rainwater. However, most water sinks straight into the soil, later scattering into the salt water. Because of the rising sea levels, salt water infiltrates the freshwater more quicker.

There are two main water utilities: MWSC on Majuro and Kajur on Ebeye. Majuro has an insufficient quantity of water that needs to be doubled to meet the growing demand. In addition, up to 50% of the water is being wasted because of leakage and theft. Ebeye faces challenges in delivering quality water and services on a consistent and reliable basis.

Tests have shown that there is a high percentage of home water catchments that are contaminated. Water pollution and contamination contribute to the high and increasing cases of water-borne diseases.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Source: US Census Bureau, 2022. Annual population growth rate % has PLUMMETED since 2002.

# data[].attributes.body
According to the World Bank, the Pacific Community (SPC) projects the Marshall Islands will see a great decrease in the population to escape the rising sea levels.

Though there are other drivers such as education and economic opportunities, climate-related drivers may become the more dominant.

Finally, the Marshallese may choose to emigrate to the U.S., as they are allowed to under the 1986 U.S. Compact.

# data[].attributes.body
Capital: Majuro [atoll]
Population: 55,300
Official language: Marshallese

# data[].attributes.body
As the people of the Marshall Islands are the greatest resource, education must be seen as an investment for the future of the children.
A program similar to Progresa should be implemented to keep children in school. This can be used to improve attendance in combination with the use of technology in schools.