The Marshall Islands, an island country located in the central Pacific Ocean, encompasses 29 coral atolls and five individual islands, spread across roughly 750,000 square miles of ocean. Settled by Micronesians as early as 2,000 years ago, the Marshallese developed a seafaring culture, sophisticated navigation techniques, and unique traditions. European contact began in the 16th century, with Spanish explorers first reaching the islands, although they were later named after British explorer John Marshall in the 18th century. The islands fell under German control in the late 19th century, before being taken over by Japan during World War I. Following fierce battles in World War II, the United States assumed administration of the islands, making them a site for extensive nuclear testing in the 1940s and 1950s, severely impacting the local population and environment. The Marshall Islands gained self-governance in 1979 and achieved full independence in 1986 under a Compact of Free Association with the United States, shaping the modern identity of this resilient nation.