Culture and history

Marshall culture is formed by matrilineal clans (bwij) and a three-link social structure: iroij leaders, alap land managers and dri-jerbal community workers.

Life on the atolls is connected with the sea: outrigger canoes, traditional navigation and the famous stick maps (rebbelib/meddo), reflecting wave patterns and reefs.

The language is Marshallese (dialects of Ralik and Ratak) and English; in everyday life - weaving, carving, songs and dances of the atoll tradition.

Historically, the archipelago passed the Spanish, German and Japanese administrations; during the US guardianship after World War II, nuclear tests (1946-1958) were carried out here, leading to resettlement and long rehabilitation programs.

The 1979 constitution formalized the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and since 1986 there has been a Compact Free Association with the United States, updated later.

Modern identity combines island traditions, memory of trials, and a focus on education, diaspora, and ocean conservation.