The people of the Marshall Islands face considerable challenges to maintain the health of its citizens. Recently, high population growth and crowded conditions in urban areas, have given rise to diseases, such as tuberculosis and leprosy. These conditions typically come about in rapid growth areas of the world that have limited economic and medical resources. In addition, exposure to the influence of Western culture has brought about a rise in the levels of adult obesity, non-communicable diseases, teenage pregnancy, suicide, and alcoholism, and tobacco use.
The Marshall Islands are a Micronesian state in the Pacific Ocean and is considered to be the “dive capital” of Micronesia. The official language of the island is English, however Japanese is also spoken in some areas. The tourism industry accounts for a small portion of the economy, but the government has recently began to undertake improvements to increase the flow of travelers to the islands.
The weather in the Marshall Islands is tropical - hot and humid, but tempered by trade-winds which prevail throughout the year.