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Marshall Islands Nutz and Bolts

Country: Marshall Islands
Where is it?: Oceania, group of atolls and reefs in the North Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to Australia
Why do people go here?: Home to Bikini Atoll, radiation damage from test nuclear bombs, large craft canoes, friendly people and numerous islands, the Marshall Islands attract people interested more in the nitty gritty pace of life than the lounging at the beach.
What are the main entry points?: Micronesia and Honolulu are the places to catch a flight (which will arrive in either Majuro International Airport or Kwajalein Airport). Some yachts do saunter in, but cruise ships and ferries do not.
Currency used: US dollar (USD)
Country Code: 692
Area codes for Major Cities: City codes vary by island
Religion: Christian (mostly Protestant)
Population: 57,738
Ethnic Breakdown: Micronesian
Government: Constitutional government in free association with the US
Languages: English (widely spoken as a second language, both English and Marshallese are official languages), two major Marshallese dialects from the Malayo-Polynesian family, Japanese
Major Cities: Majuro
Attractions: Diving, Nuclear Bomb Testing, Beaches
Accommodation:
Tourism Office locations and links: Marshall Islands Ministry of Resources & Development Division of Turism P.O. Box 1727 Majuro, Marshall Islands +692-625-3203, 3218;; FAX +692-625-3218; //www.yokwe-yok.com/
Health Issues: No vaccination requirements for any international traveller.
When to go: May through October offers the clearest water for pristine diving, and drier weather for those wishing to avoid the wet when they're not in a skinsuit.
Specific Events/Holidays: Constitution Day, 1 May (1979)
Getting Around: Shared taxis are authentic, hired cars are affordable, and inter-island boat rides are plentiful.