| a group of 34 atolls in the W central Pacific: formerly a part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; since 1986 a self-governing area associated with the U.S. 60,652; 70 sq. mi. (181 sq. km). |
, noun, plural -ese, adjective Marshall Islands  (click for larger image in new window) A self-governing island group in the central Pacific Ocean. Inhabited by Micronesian peoples, the islands were sighted by Spanish explorers in the early 16th century and were governed by Spain and Germany until 1920, when they became a Japanese mandate. From 1947 they were part of the U.S. Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, during which time the United States carried out nuclear tests on Enewetak and Bikini atolls. The islands became self-governing in 1979 and attained free association status with the United States in 1986. Majuro is the capital. Population: 61,800. Mar'shal·lese' (-shə-lēz', -lēs') adj. & n. |