Why have many Marshall Islanders moved to Majuro and Kwajalein?

Many Marshall Islanders have migrated to the urban centers of Majuro and Kwajalein primarily in search of employment opportunities and access to modern amenities.1

These two atolls serve as the country's primary urban hubs, collectively housing nearly three-fourths of the total population. Specifically, Kwajalein offers employment through the U.S. missile testing range, which is a significant factor in the region's economy. In contrast, residents of the outer islands typically rely on subsistence farming and fishing, leading many to move to these urban centers as the nation shifts toward a wage-based economy.12