The Marshall islands, officially the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is located in the central Pacific Ocean, roughly halfway between Hawaii and Australia. It consists of 29 coral atolls and 5 low-lying islands, spread across approximately 1.9 million square kilometres of ocean. The population is approximately 43,000 people, with the majority living on the atolls of Majuro (the capital) and Ebeye in Kwajalein Atoll.

The 1979 Constitution declares itself the supreme law, guarantees a robust bill of rights, and organises government into three branches – legislative, executive and judicial. The head of state and government is the President, elected from among the 33 senators of the Nitijela (parliament).

The Marshall Islands do not have a standing military. Under the Compact of Free Association Agreement (COFA) with the United States (US), the US has full defence authority and strategic access to the islands. In return the Marshall Islands receive financial assistance, access to US federal programs, and migration rights for Marshallese citizens.