Originally settled by the Micronesian peoples approximately 3000 years ago, the Marshall Islands have had an ongoing interaction with other races. The Spanish first visited in the 1600s, then the Russians and the British. Later, in 1885, the Germans claimed the region and made an unsuccessful attempt to colonize the islands. In 1914, during the course of World War I, the Japanese began occupying some of the islands, which they later claimed when Germany relinquished all Pacific lands in 1919. The Japanese Government claimed ownership of approximately one third of all land area prior to World War II. By the start of the war, many Japanese citizens had resettled on the islands with Japanese taught in schools. The Marshall Islands were the scene of fierce battles as the US and Allies took hold of the Japanese base at Kwajalein Atoll. By the end of the war, the Japanese had relinquished the islands. During the 1950and 60s, there was a strong US presence on the islands during missile and nuclear testing. Both the US and Australia to a lesser degree maintain strong ties with the RMI currently.

In 1979, following the proclamation of independence, the region became known as the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The RMI adopted its own constitution and began self-government.