The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) joined the ILO in July 2007, so becoming the 181st member of the Organization. Since joining the ILO the Republic of the Marshall Islands has ratified one ILO Convention - the MLC Maritime Labour Convention 2006.
The RMI is composed of 29 coral atolls and low-lying islands in the central northern Pacific Ocean. The country has a land area is 181 square kilometers spread over a total area of 1.94 million square kilometers. There are two urban centers; Majuro on Majuro Atoll and Ebeye on Kwajelein Atoll. All other land areas classified as rural, outer-islands.
The population, of around 51,000 (1999 Population and Household Census) is composed primarily of indigenous Marshallese, but with a steadily increasing population of expatriates, mostly Americans, Filipinos, Chinese/Taiwanese and people from neighboring Pacific Island countries. Culturally, the population is predominately homogenous, with the traditional matrilineal and chief/clan system still widely followed. The official languages are English and Marshallese, with Marshallese the primary language of exchange.