Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government: President Amata KABUA (since
NA 1979) was elected for a four-year term by the Nitijela from among
its own members; election last held 20 November 1995 (next to be
held NA 1999); results - President Amata KABUA was reelected
cabinet: Cabinet; president selects from among the members of
Parliament
Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament (Nitijela): elections last held 20 November 1995 (next to be held NA November 1999); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (33 total) seats by party NA
Judicial branch: Supreme Court; High Court
Political parties and leaders:
government: Our Islands Party, President Amata KABUA
opposition: Ralik/Ratak Democratic Party (RRDP), Ramsey REIMERS
International organization participation: AsDB, ESCAP, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, IDA, IFC, IMF, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol,
Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO
Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant) chancery: 2433 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 234-5414 FAX: [1] (202) 232-3236 consulate(s) general: Honolulu and Los Angeles
US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Joan PLAISTED embassy: Oceanside, Long Island, Majuro mailing address: P. O. Box 1379, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands 96960-1379; Majuro, 20521-4380 (pouch) telephone: [692] 247-4011 FAX: [692] 247-4012
Flag: blue with two stripes radiating from the lower hoist-side corner - orange (top) and white; there is a white star with four large rays and 20 small rays on the hoist side above the two stripes
Economy ———-
Economic overview: Agriculture and tourism are the mainstays of the economy. Agricultural production is concentrated on small farms, and the most important commercial crops are coconuts, tomatoes, melons, and breadfruit. A few cattle ranches supply the domestic meat market. Small-scale industry is limited to handicrafts, fish processing, and copra. The tourist industry is the primary source of foreign exchange and employs about 10% of the labor force. The islands have few natural resources, and imports far exceed exports. The government is drafting economic reforms designed to increase revenue and compensate for reductions in US Government grants - in 1994, the US Government provided grants of $50 million, equal to 55% of the Marshall Islands' GDP. About 25% of the government's 1995/96 budget is devoted to debt repayment.