The Marshall Islands is an island country in the western Pacific Ocean, consisting of two chains of 29 coral atolls and 5 islands. Its capital is Majuro, and it operates as a presidential republic in a Compact of Free Association with the United States, which provides defense and aid. Once a German and Japanese territory, the Marshall Islands were a UN trust territory administered by the US after WWII, enduring nuclear testing. The economy relies on agriculture and tourism, and the society faces significant threats from climate change and rising sea levels.