The Marshall Islands form a nation of scattered
atolls and
remote islands, which are known for their marine life and
diving opportunities. Many of the atolls are dotted with
Flame of the Forest, hibiscus and different-colored plumeria
flowers. There are also at least 160 species of
coral surrounding the islands.
The uninhabited atolls are noted for their
coconut and
papaya plantations and for pandanus and
breadfruit trees.
GeographyThe Marshall Islands consist of two almost parallel chains of
atolls and islands, which lie west of the International Date Line. Majuro Atoll is 2,285km (1,428 miles) west of Honolulu, 1,624km (1,015 miles) east of Guam and 2,624km (1,641 miles) southeast of Tokyo. The eastern
Ratak (Sunrise) Chain consists of 15 atolls and islands, and the western
Ralik (Sunset) Chain consists of 16 atolls and islands. Together these two chains comprise 1,152 islands and islets dispersed over more than 1,900,000 sq km (500,000 sq miles) of the central Pacific.
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