Politically, the Marshall Islands is a presidential republic in free association with <answer>the United States</answer>, with the US providing defense, subsidies, and access to U.S. based agencies such as the FCC and the USPS. With few natural resources, the islands' wealth is based on a service economy, as well as some fishing and agriculture; aid from <answer>the United States</answer> represents a large percentage of the islands' gross domestic product. The country uses <answer>the United States</answer> dollar as its currency.
Assistance from what country is an important part of the Marshall Islands economy?
the United States