Marshall Islands

Main article: Countries of the world

An associated state (a free association, a freely annexed state) is a form of confederation of bilaterally united unequal states, in which a smaller state, formally preserving sovereignty and independence, trusts a significant part of its power to a larger state.

Geography

The smallest states in the world for 2022

Economy

Trade

2023: Merchant fleet - 4.2 thousand ships

Data for 2023

History

2025: Introduction of basic unconditional income

In December 2025, the Marshall Islands authorities introduced a basic unconditional income (DB), which implies regular payments of funds from the state to all citizens without exception, regardless of the level of personal income. Citizens of the Marshall Islands will receive $200 from the government on a quarterly basis without any conditions. This is the world's first nationwide introduction of BBD. The authorities note that the size of the BDB is not so large that people stop working. The average income of citizens on the islands is $0.8-1 thousand per month.^[1]

1946: Nuclear tests at Bikini Atoll

In July 1946, the United States used Bikini Atoll for two tests, as part of Operation Crossroads, of atomic bombs similar to the Fat Man bomb. On July 1, a bomb was dropped in the lagoon of the atoll on 73 obsolete warships. On July 25, an underwater explosion of a nuclear power plant was carried out there.

Atomic bomb test at Bikini Atoll, July 25, 1946.

On December 22, after two nuclear explosions, the last of the German heavy cruisers Prince Eugen capsized and sank.

Notes