Marshall Islands - 64.05
59
A nation facing the dual threat of climate change and nuclear radiation
The Marshall Islands is sinking at an unprecedented rate, currently on pace to be one of the first countries to disappear off the map. The Marshall Islands is a state in Free Association with the United States, granting them certain protections and allowing them to reap certain benefits. However, the Marshall Islands have been neglected by the United States, which has failed to address the ever-present problem of the Runit Dome. The United States buried a significant amount of nuclear waste in a crater in the Marshall Islands and constructed a shoddy concrete dome over the top of it before leaving the islands. The Runit Dome is now beginning to fail as rising sea levels exert increasing pressure on the decades-old construction. In addition to the dual threat of climate change and nuclear waste, the Marshall Islands faces the classic struggles of the Pacific of a chronically lazy government and struggling economy. Obesity rates are some of the highest in the world. The Marshall Islands is unique in little other than the fact that within the lifetimes of those reading, it will be nothing but a shallow, slightly radioactive patch of the Pacific Ocean.
Human Rights - 71
The Marshall Islands has fully abolished the death penalty. Prisoners on suicide watch were often held naked to prevent them from committing suicide with their own clothes. Prisons are severely overcrowded and lacked adequate lighting, ventilation, and sanitation. Homosexuality is legal and discrimination protections are guaranteed but the Marshall Islands has no other LGBT rights. Abortion is legal to save the woman’s life.
Democracy - 95
The president is elected from and by the parliament, which is directly elected. Elections are free and fair. Marshallese elections are formally nonpartisan but unofficial factions form within parliament. The role of traditional chiefs in Marshallese politics is waning but a council of traditional chiefs still act as advisors.
Freedom - 87
All drugs are illegal in the Marshall Islands with strict sentences. The Marshall Islands maintains a total ban on all guns.
Economy - 37
Health - 21
The Marshall Islands has a life expectancy of 65 years and an infant mortality rate of 2.64%. 52.9% of Marshallese are obese and 31.7% are malnourished. Very few people in the Marshall Islands are starving, but malnourishment usually stems from a diet lacking nutrients. The Marshall Islands has a decent universal healthcare system that provides high-quality healthcare through two hospitals on Majuro and Ebeye. However, several inhabited islands lack and healthcare facilities of any kind. 21% of Marshallese have access to clean, running water, and 79% of the population is reliant on rainwater for drinking.
Corruption - 74
Certain bureaucratic processes are difficult without engaging in bribery in the Marshall Islands.
Competency - 23
The government is failing to provide for the people, as the country’s healthcare system remains sorely lacking. Obesity and malnourishment remain disturbingly high high. The Marshallese economy remains weak.
Future - 1
The Marshall Islands is a country doomed to climate change regardless of any other developments. The Marshall Islands is due to sink below the waves by 2050. In addition to climate change, the Marshall Islands also faces a threat from nuclear radiation, as the Runit Dome, a crater filled with nuclear waste and covered over by a cement dome, continues to leak and is ever threatened by rising tides. The Marshall Islands is a country that is well and truly doomed.
Actions Abroad - 90
The Marshall Islands is a tax haven. The Marshall Islands does not maintain a military, but is in a state of free association with the United States, thus falling under their military protection. The Marshall Islands is heavily reliant on military and foreign aid from the United States. The Marshall Islands recognizes the independence of Taiwan from China and does not maintain diplomatic relations of any kind with the People’s Republic of China.
30% of Marshallese live under the international poverty line, while 40% live under the national poverty line. 31% of Marshallese are unemployed. The Marshall Islands has a low economic disparity. The minimum wage in the Marshall Islands is $2 per hour. The Marshall Islands has a decent universal healthcare system. Two hospitals on Majuro and Ebeye provide generally high-quality healthcare but many inhabited islands lack healthcare facilities of any kind. The Marshallese economy shrunk 2.2% in 2020 and grew 6.8% in 2019.