Federated States of Micronesia
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The Federated States of Micronesia (Template:IPAc-en, abbreviated FSM), or simply Micronesia, is an island country in Micronesia, a region of Oceania. The federation encompasses the majority of the Caroline Islands (excluding Palau) and consists of four states—from west to east: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae—that span the western Pacific just north of the equator for a longitudinal distance of almost Template:Cvt. Together, the states comprise around 607 islands and a combined land area of approximately Template:Convert.
The entire island nation lies across the northern Pacific accordingly: northeast of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, south of Guam and the Marianas, west of Nauru and the Marshall Islands, east of Palau and the Philippines, about Template:Cvt north of eastern Australia, Template:Cvt southeast of Japan, and some Template:Cvt southwest of Honolulu of the Hawaiian Islands.
The country's total land area is relatively small, but its waters occupy nearly Template:Convert of the Pacific Ocean, giving the country the 14th-largest exclusive economic zone in the world.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The nation's capital is Palikir, on Pohnpei Island, and its largest city is Weno, an island municipality in the Chuuk Lagoon.
Each of its four states is centered on one or more main volcanic islands, and all but Kosrae include numerous outlying atolls. The FSM spreads across part of the Caroline Islands in the wider region of Micronesia, which region consists of thousands of small islands divided among several countries. The term Micronesia may refer to the Federated States of Micronesia or to the region as a whole.
The FSM was a part of the former Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI), a United Nations Trust Territory administered by the United States from 1947 to 1994. On May 10, 1979, the islands ratified a constitutional government and then became a sovereign state after attaining independence on November 3, 1986—under a Compact of Free Association with the United States. Other neighboring island entities (also former members of the TTPI), also formed constitutional governments, becoming the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau. The FSM has a seat in the United Nations and has been a member of the Pacific Community since 1983.
History
[edit]Early Settlement and Nan Madol
[edit]The ancestors of the Micronesians settled over four thousand years ago.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A decentralized chieftain-based system eventually evolved into a more centralized economic and religious culture centered on Yap Island.<ref name=":4">Template:Cite web</ref>
Nan Madol, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, consisting of a series of small artificial islands linked by a network of canals, is often called the Venice of the Pacific. It is located on the eastern periphery of the island of Pohnpei and used to be the ceremonial and political seat of the Saudeleur dynasty that united Pohnpei's estimated 25,000 people from about AD 500 until 1500 when the centralized system collapsed.<ref name=":4" />
European Contact and Colonial Rule
[edit]European explorers—first the Portuguese in search of the Spice Islands (Indonesia) and then the Spanish—reached the Carolines in the sixteenth century. The Treaty of Tordesillas gave these lands to Spain and the Spanish incorporated the archipelago to the Spanish East Indies through the capital, Manila, and in the 19th century established several outposts and missions. In 1887, they founded the town of Santiago de la Ascensión in what today is Kolonia on the island of Pohnpei.
In the 1870s, Germany began extending its sphere of influence in the Caroline Islands, leading to the Carolines Question of 1885 in which Pope Leo XIII was asked to determine if Germany or Spain had authority over the islands. The result was a confirmation of Spanish authority over the islands, but Germany would have free access to the islands.<ref name="Bjorge2014">Template:Cite book</ref>
Following defeat in the Spanish–American War, the Spanish sold the archipelago to Germany in 1899 under the German–Spanish Treaty of 1899. Germany incorporated it into German New Guinea. (A few remote islands, notably Kapingamarangi, were not specifically named in the treaty, but this remained unnoticed until the late 1940s and, while acknowledging the historical curiosity in 1949, Spain has made no modern claims to the islands.Template:Sfn<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>)
During World War I, it was captured by Japan. Following the war, the League of Nations awarded a mandate for Japan to administer the islands as part of the South Seas Mandate.<ref name=":5">Foster, S., Hezel, F.X. "Micronesia." Encyclopedia Britannica, February 27, 2025. https://www.britannica.com/place/Micronesia-republic-Pacific-Ocean</ref>
World War II and the Aftermath
[edit]Operation Hailstone
[edit]Truk Lagoon served as a significant base for the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. In February 1944, the U.S. Navy launched Operation Hailstone, a massive air and surface attack on Truk Lagoon. Over two days, U.S. carrier aircraft and surface vessels targeted Japanese warships, merchant vessels, and shore installations, resulting in the sinking of numerous ships and the destruction of hundreds of aircraft. This operation severely diminished Japan's naval capabilities in the Pacific.<ref>Hornfischer, James (2016). The Fleet at Flood Tide: America at Total War in the Pacific, 1944–1945. Random House Publishing Group</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
U.S. Administration under the United Nations
[edit]Following World War II, the islands of Micronesia were placed under the administration of the United States as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. This arrangement was formalized on 2 April 1947, with the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 21, which approved the terms of trusteeship for the Pacific Islands formerly under Japanese mandate.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>United Nations Security Council. (1947). Trusteeship of Strategic Areas (Resolution No. 21)</ref>
Path to Independence
[edit]On May 10, 1979, four of the Trust Territory districts ratified a new constitution to become the Federated States of Micronesia. Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands chose not to participate. The FSM signed a Compact of Free Association with the United States, which entered into force on November 3, 1986, marking Micronesia's emergence from trusteeship to independence. Independence was formally concluded under international law in 1990, when the United Nations officially ended the Trusteeship status pursuant to Security Council Resolution 683. The Compact was renewed in 2004.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":5" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In February 2021, due to a bitter leadership dispute, the Federated States of Micronesia announced it would quit the Pacific Islands Forum in its formal process of withdrawal. However, in June 2022, the Suva Agreement was reached and the Federated States of Micronesia agreed to remain in the forum.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=":5" />
Politics
[edit]The Federated States of Micronesia is governed by the 1979 constitution, which guarantees fundamental human rights and establishes a separation of governmental powers. This constitution structures the national government to be similar to—but not exactly like—that of the United States. The unicameral Congress has fourteen members elected by popular vote. Four senators—one from each state—serve four-year terms; the remaining ten senators represent single-member districts based on population and serve two-year terms. Congress elects the President and Vice President from among the four state-based senators to serve four-year terms in the executive branch. Their congressional seats are then filled by special elections.
An appointed cabinet supports the president and vice president. There are no formal political parties.
Defense and foreign affairs
[edit]
In international politics, the Federated States of Micronesia has often voted with the United States concerning United Nations General Assembly resolutions.<ref>General Assembly - Overall Votes - Comparison with U.S. vote Template:Webarchive lists Micronesia as in the country with the fourth high coincidence of votes. Micronesia has always been in the top four.</ref>
The FSM is a sovereign, self-governing state in free association with the United States of America, which is wholly responsible for its defense. The FSM National Police operates a Maritime Wing Unit. The Compact of Free Association allows FSM citizens to join the U.S. military without having to obtain U.S. permanent residency or citizenship,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> allows for immigration and employment for Micronesians in the U.S., and establishes economic and technical aid programs.
The FSM has foreign relations with 56 countries, including the Holy See and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> FSM was admitted to the United Nations based on the Security Council's recommendation on August 9, 1991, in Resolution 703 and the General Assembly's approval on September 17, 1991, in Resolution 46/2.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The FSM was an active member of the Pacific Islands Forum.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, in February 2021, FSM announced it would be formally withdrawing from the Forum in a joint statement with Marshall Islands, Kiribati, and Nauru after a dispute regarding Henry Puna's election as the Forum's secretary-general.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":3">Template:Cite web</ref> In February 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, FSM severed its diplomatic relations with Russia and called the invasion "unjustified and brutal".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Administrative divisions
[edit]
The four states in the federation are, from west to east:
| Flag | States<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> | Capital | Current Governor | Land | Population<ref name="FSM government website - Population">Template:Cite web</ref> | Population density | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km2 | sq mi<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | per km2<ref name="FSM government website - Population"/> | per sq mi | |||||
| Template:Flagicon | Yap | Colonia | Charles Chieng<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | 118.1 | 45.6 | 16,436 | 94 | 243 |
| Template:Flagicon | Chuuk | Weno | Alexander R. Narruhn<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | 127.4 | 49.2 | 54,595 | 420 | 1088 |
| Template:Flagicon | Pohnpei | Kolonia | Reed P. Oliver<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | 345.5 | 133.4 | 34,685 | 98 | 255 |
| Template:Flagicon | Kosrae | Tofol | Tulensa Palik<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | 109.6 | 42.3 | 7,686 | 66 | 170 |
These states are further divided into municipalities.
Geography
[edit]Template:Main Template:More citations needed
The Federated States of Micronesia consists of 607 islands extending Template:Convert across the archipelago of the Caroline Islands east of the Philippines. The islands have a combined area of Template:Convert.<ref name=":0" />
The islands are grouped into four states, which are Yap, Chuuk (called Truk until January 1990), Pohnpei (known as "Ponape" until November 1984), and Kosrae (formerly Kusaie).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> These four states are each represented by a white star on the national flag. The capital is Palikir, on Pohnpei.
Two terrestrial ecoregions lie within the country's borders: Carolines tropical moist forests and Yap tropical dry forests.<ref name="DinersteinOlson2017">Template:Cite journal</ref> It had a 2019 Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 7.55/10, ranking it 37th globally out of 172 countries.<ref name="FLII-Supplementary">Template:Cite journal</ref>
Biodiversity
[edit]The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, hosting approximately 3,025 animal species and 1,553 plant species.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>The diversity of terrestrial plants and animals within the FSM varies from east to west due to differences in climate, geology, topography, and geographical isolation.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Over 457 plant species have been introduced to the islands of the FSM by early Micronesians and subsequent settlers.<ref name=":6">Template:Cite web</ref> The FSM comprises 607 islands extending 2,900 km across the Caroline Islands, with a combined area of 702 km². The FSM has 58 Key Biodiversity Areas.<ref name=":6" />
The region is characterized by thousands of isolated small coral atolls and higher volcanic islands, contributing to its high biodiversity.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The FSM's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan outlines efforts to protect and conserve its rich biodiversity.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The FSM's marine biodiversity is under pressure due to growing population demands, leading to increased degradation of marine resources.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Climate
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The Federated States of Micronesia has a tropical rainforest climate (Köppen: Af). The weather is warm, humid and rainy all year round. The islands are located north of the equator and are affected by constant trade winds, which temper the climate. Minimum temperatures range all year round between 22 and 25 °C, and maximum temperatures between 30 and 32 °C.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The abundant precipitations oscillate between 2500 and 5000 mm per year, although in the faces oriented to the wind they can surpass 6000 mm. Mount Nahnalaud, only 750 m high, on the island of Pohnpei, receives an average of 10,160 mm, being one of the rainiest places on earth, with almost always overcast skies.<ref name=":7">Template:Cite web</ref> In general, the rains are produced by showers and storms of short duration but very intense. The driest places are the flat atolls, where rainfall can drop below 3,000 mm. The driest months are January and February, with no less than 250 mm and 20 days of rain.<ref name=":7" />
Climate patterns in the FSM are also affected by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, leading to considerable variability in weather conditions from year to year. During El Niño events, the region may experience increased rainfall and storm activity, while La Niña events can bring drier conditions and potential droughts.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Transportation
[edit]The Federated States of Micronesia is served by four international airports.
- Pohnpei International Airport, on the main island of Pohnpei State.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Chuuk International Airport, located on the main island of Chuuk State.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Kosrae International Airport, located on the main island of Kosrae State.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Yap International Airport, located on the main island of Yap State.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Economy
[edit]
Economic activity in the Federated States of Micronesia consists primarily of subsistence farming and fishing. The islands have few mineral deposits worth exploiting, except for high-grade phosphate. Long line fishing of tuna is also viable with foreign vessels from China that operated in the 1990s. The potential for a tourist industry exists, but the remoteness of the location and a lack of adequate facilities hinder development. Financial assistance from the U.S. is the primary source of revenue, with the U.S. pledged to spend $1.3 billion in the islands in 1986–2001; when the Compact was amended in 2004, the United States committed to providing $110 million in development aid through 2023.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The CIA World Factbook lists high dependence on U.S. aid as one of the main concerns of the FSM.<ref name=":0" /> Geographical isolation and a poorly developed infrastructure are major impediments to long-term growth.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Society
[edit]Demographics
[edit]
The indigenous population of the nation, which is predominantly Micronesian, consists of various ethnolinguistic groups. It has a nearly 100% Pacific Islander and Asian population: Chuukese 48.8%, Pohnpeian 24.2%, Kosraean 6.2%, Yapese 5.2%, Yap outer islands 4.5%, Asian 1.8%, Polynesian 1.5%, other 6.4%, unknown 1.4%. A sizable minority also have some Japanese ancestry, which is a result of intermarriages between Japanese settlers and Micronesians during the Japanese colonial period.<ref>President Emanuel Mori Meets With Japan Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda Template:Webarchive; AESonline.org Template:Webarchive Government of the Federated States of Micronesia, December 12, 2007</ref>
There is also a growing expatriate population of Americans, Australians, Europeans, and residents from China and the Philippines since the 1990s. English has become the common language of the government, and for secondary and tertiary education. Outside of the main capital towns of the four FSM states, the local languages are primarily spoken. In the Catholic mission of Pohnpei, among the Mercedarian missionaries, considered an institution in the country, Spanish is also spoken. Growth remains high at more than 3% annually, offset somewhat by net emigration.
Languages
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English is the official and common language. Aside from English, the following Austronesian languages are spoken:<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Micronesia">Template:Cite web</ref>
| Rank | Language | Language family | Number of speakers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chuukese | Micronesian | 45,900 |
| 2 | Pohnpeian | 30,000 | |
| 3 | Kosraean | 8,000 | |
| 4 | Mortlockese | 5,900 | |
| 5 | Yapese | Admiralty Islands? | 5,130 |
| 6 | Ulithian | Micronesian | 3,000 |
| 7 | Kapingamarangi | Polynesian | 3,000 |
| 8 | Pingelapese | Micronesian | 3,000 |
| 9 | Woleaian | 1,700 | |
| 10 | Mokilese | 1,500 | |
| 11 | Puluwat | 1,400 | |
| 12 | Pááfang | 1,300 | |
| 13 | Namonuito | 940 | |
| 14 | Nukuoro | Polynesian | 700 |
| 15 | Ngatikese | Micronesian | 700 |
| 16 | Satawalese | 500 | |
| 17 | Nguluwan | Admiralty Islands? | 50 |
| 18 | Ngatikese Creole | Creole | 30 |
Religion
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The people of the Federated States of Micronesia are 97% Christian.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref> More than half of the population follows the Catholic Church (55%)<ref name=":1" /> and about 42%<ref name=":1" /> follow various Protestant Christian groups. In general this is due to Spanish and German colonial history. Spanish rule meant that a large part of the population remained Catholic. During the German colonial period, until 1914, Catholic and Protestant missionaries from the German Empire were deployed. Several Protestant denominations, as well as the Roman Catholic Church, are present in every Micronesian state.<ref name="report">International Religious Freedom Report 2007: Micronesia, Federated States of Template:Webarchive. United States Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (September 14, 2007). This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.</ref> Most Protestant groups trace their roots to American Congregationalist missionaries.<ref name=report/> On the island of Kosrae, the population is approximately 7,800; 95 percent are Protestants.<ref name=report/> On Pohnpei, the population of 35,000 is evenly divided between Protestants and Catholics. Most immigrants are Filipino Catholics who have joined local Catholic churches, e.g. Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Pohnpei.<ref name=report/>
On Chuuk and Yap, an estimated 60 percent are Catholic and 40 percent are Protestant.<ref name=report/> Religious groups with small followings include Baptists, Assemblies of God, Salvation Army, Seventh-day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), and the Baháʼí Faith.<ref name=report/> There is a small group of Buddhists on Pohnpei,<ref name=report/> and a small group of Ahmadiyya Muslims in both Pohnpei and Kosrae. Attendance at religious services is generally high; churches are well supported by their congregations and play a significant role in civil society.<ref name=report/>
In the 1890s, on the island of Pohnpei, intermissionary conflicts and the conversion of clan leaders resulted in religious divisions along clan lines which persist today.<ref name=report/> More Protestants live on the western side of the island, while more Catholics live on the eastern side.<ref name=report/> Missionaries of many religious traditions are present and operate freely.<ref name=report/> The Constitution provides for freedom of religion, and the Government generally respects this right in practice.<ref name=report/> The US government received no reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious belief or practice in 2007.<ref name=report/>
Health
[edit]Template:Main Life expectancy was 66 for men and 69 for women in 2018.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Pingelap in Pohnpei State is notable for the prevalence of an extreme form of color blindness called Achromatopsia, and known locally as maskun.<ref name="Brody_1970"/><ref name="Hussels_1972"/> Approximately 5% of the atoll's 3,000 inhabitants are afflicted.<ref name="Brody_1970">Template:Cite journal</ref><ref name="Hussels_1972">Template:Cite journal</ref>
Sport
[edit]Baseball
[edit]Baseball is very popular in the FSM.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Association football
[edit]The sport of association football in the Federated States of Micronesia is run by the Federated States of Micronesia Football Association. They control the Micronesian Games, the nation's football championship and the Micronesia national football team.Template:Citation needed
FSMAA
[edit]The Federated States of Micronesia Athletic Association is the governing body for the country's sports and athletics.<ref name=iaaf_1>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=oaa_01>Template:Cite web</ref>
Culture
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Each of the four states has its own culture and traditions, but there are also common cultural and economic bonds that are centuries old. Cultural similarities include the importance of the traditional extended family and clan systems and are found on all the islands.
The island of Yap is notable for its "stone money" (Rai stones), large disks usually of calcite, up to Template:Convert in diameter, with a hole in the middle. The islanders, aware of the owner of a piece, do not necessarily move them when ownership changes. There are five major types: Mmbul, Gaw, Ray, Yar, and Reng, the last being only Template:Convert in diameter. Their value is based on both size and history, many of them having been brought from other islands, as far as New Guinea, but most coming in ancient times from Palau. Approximately 6,500 of them are scattered around the island.
Pohnpei is home to Nan Madol: Ceremonial Centre of Eastern Micronesia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but the site is currently listed as In Danger due to natural causes.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The government is working on the conservation of the site.
Music
[edit]
Traditional dances on the main islands includes "stick dancing" on Pohnpei, Chuuk and Yap, standing dances on Chuuk and sitting dances on Yap<ref name=dance>Template:Cite web</ref> and Chuuk. The Yapese are particularly known for their skills in dancing. The Yapese stick dance is performed by men, women and children together, while standing dances are performed either by women or men and boys, but never both together. The men participate in various dancing competitions, which are segregated by caste; the lower castes have some distinct dances, such as a woman's standing dance, but can only dance when authorized by a person of a higher caste.<ref name=Yap>Template:Cite web</ref>
Newspapers
[edit]The following papers have been published in the FSM:
- Pohnpei<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- The Kaselehlie Press — from 2001. English. Published biweekly.
- Senyavin Times — from 1967 to the 1970s. Bilingual (Pohnpeian and English).
- Chuuk<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Truk Chronicle — from 1979 to the 1980s. Published biweekly in English, with some articles in Carolinian.
- Kosrae<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Kosrae State Newsletter — from 1983 to 2004. Published monthly in Kosraean.
- Yap<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- The Yap Networker — from 1999 to 2005. Published weekly in English.
Literature
[edit]There have been very few published literary writers from the Federated States of Micronesia.<ref>"Seeking Micronesian literary writers", Marianas Variety, February 18, 2009 Template:Webarchive</ref> In 2008, Emelihter Kihleng became the first ever Micronesian to publish a collection of poetry in the English language.<ref>"Micronesian Poet Publishes Collection of Poems", Office of Insular Affairs, May 12, 2008 Template:Webarchive</ref>
See also
[edit]- Outline of the Federated States of Micronesia
- Index of Federated States of Micronesia–related articles
References
[edit]Sources
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External links
[edit]Government
General information
- Federated States of Micronesia. The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency.
- Federated States of Micronesia from UCB Libraries GovPubs
- Micronesia from the BBC News
- Jane's Federated States of Micronesia Home Page Template:Webarchive
- Trust Territory of the Pacific Archives at the University of Hawaii
- Pacific Islands Legal Information Institute - Federated States of Micronesia
- Nature.org - Micronesia environmental conservation
- myMicronesia.com Online resource center about the islands of Micronesia. Provides free listings and links to all Micronesian businesses, as well as civic, cultural, health and educational organizations.
- Habele.org - Outer Islands Information about the remote islands and atolls outside the four state capitals of Micronesia from an educational nonprofit.
- Development Forecasts for Federated States of Micronesia
News media
- The Kaselehlie Press Template:Webarchive – The Kaselehlie Press is a Pohnpei-based newspaper that covers stories throughout the FSM.
- Pohnpei (Spanish)
Maps
- Template:Wikiatlas
- Nan Madol islet complex Provides computer based reconstruction of the main islets and features
Travel
Weather
- NOAA's National Weather Service - Chuuk, FSM
- NOAA's National Weather Service - Pohnpei & Kosrae, FSM
- NOAA's National Weather Service - Yap, FSM
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