The Marshall Islands is a South Pacific economy consisting of two chains of coral atolls, together with more than 1,000 islets, just north of the Equator. The Marshall Islands gained it's indepedence from the U.S in 1983 though maintains a Compact of Free Association with the U.S; meaning the U.S still maintains full authority and responsbility for the security and defence of the island chain. The country's primary production base is limited to copra production, substance farming and handicrafts.