The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is located in the western Pacific Ocean (an area known as Oceania) within a large group of islands known as the Carolinian archipelago. The four states—Kosrae, Pohnpei, Truk, and Yap—consist of 607 islands with a total area of 702 square kilometers (271 square miles). Comparatively, the area occupied by the Federated States of Micronesia is slightly less than four times the size of Washington, D.C. The total coastline length is 6,112 kilometers (3,798 miles).

The capital city of the Federated States of Micronesia, Palikir, is located on the island of Pohnpei.

2 Topography

The 607 islands constituting the four states include large, mountainous islands of volcanic origin and coral atolls. Kosrae is largely mountainous, with two peaks, Fenkol and Matanti. Pohnpei contains a large volcanic island, with the highest elevation in the nation at Mount Totolom, which rises to 791 meters (2,595 feet). Truk contains 14 islands that are mountainous and of volcanic origin. Yap contains four large, high islands, with the peak elevation at Mount Tabiwol. The outer islands of all states are mostly coral atolls. The lowest point is at sea level (Pacific Ocean).

GEOGRPHICAL PROFILE

Geographic Features

Area: 702 sq km (271 sq mi)

Size ranking: 175 of 194

Highest elevation: 791 meters (2,595 feet) at Totolom

Lowest elevation: Sea level at the Pacific Ocean

Land Use*

Arable land: 6%

Permanent crops: 46%

Other: 48%

Weather**

Average annual precipitation: 305–508 centimeters (120–200 inches)

Average temperature in January: 27°C (80°F)

Average temperature in July: 26°C (78°F)

* Arable Land: Land used for temporary crops, like meadows for mowing or pasture, gardens, and greenhouses.

Permanent crops: Land cultivated with crops that occupy its use for long periods, such as cocoa, coffee, rubber, fruit and nut orchards, and vineyards.

Other: Any land not specified, including built-on areas, roads, and barren land.

** The measurements for precipitation and average temperatures were taken at weather stations closest to the country’s largest city.

Precipitation and average temperature can vary significantly within a country, due to factors such as latitude, altitude, coastal proximity, and wind patterns.

3 Climate

There is little seasonal or daily variation in temperature, which averages 27°c (80°f). The islands are subject to typhoons. Annual average rainfall ranges from 305 centimeters (120 inches) in Yap to 508 centimeters (200 inches) in Pohnpei.

4 Plants and Animals

There is moderately heavy tropical vegetation, with tree species including tropical hardwoods on the slopes of the higher volcanic islands and coconut palms on the coral atolls. The only native land mammal is the tropical bat. A rich marine life inhabits the open sea, reefs, lagoons, and shore areas.

5 Environment

Solid waste disposal in urban areas is a continuing problem and the land is threatened by toxic pollutants from mining operations. Micronesia’s water supply is also threatened by industrial and agricultural pollutants.

United Nations research shows that global warming and the rise of sea levels are a threat to Micronesia’s forests, agricultural areas, and freshwater supply. Pollution from industrial and agricultural sources also threatens the nation’s mangrove areas.

Threatened species include the chuuk flying fox, the chuuk monarch, and the Mortlock Islands flying fox. The Kosrae crake and the Kosrae mountain starling have become extinct.

6 Population

The population was estimated in 2005 at 108,000. The projected population for the year 2025 was 115,000. The overall population density was 157 per square kilometer (406 per square mile). The majority of the population lives in the coastal areas of the high islands, leaving the

mountainous interiors largely uninhabited. The capital city is Palikir.

7 Migration

Most emigration is temporary as citizens leave seeking higher education. In 2005, the estimated net migration rate was -21.01 migrants per 1,000 population, a significant change from 11.65 migrants per 1,000 population in 1999. The total number of migrants in 2000 was 3,000.

8 Ethnic Groups

The islanders are generally classified as Micronesians of Malayo-Mongoloid origins. The people of the Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi atolls in southwestern Pohnpei are of Polynesian descent. In total, there are nine ethnic Micronesian and Polynesian groups.

9 Languages

English is the official language and is taught in the schools. The native languages are of the Malayo-Polynesian family. Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaian, Trukese, Pohnpeian, and Kosraean are classed as Malaysian. Kapingamarangi and Nukuoro, spoken on two isolated atolls in Pohnpei, are Polynesian languages.

10 Religions

Roman Catholicism and Protestantism have been widely accepted since the 1880s. Protestantism is predominant in Kosrae. The largest denominations are the United Church of Christ, Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, Mormons, the Salvation Army, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Assemblies of God. Roman Catholics are dominant on Chuuk and Yap. There is a small Buddhist community on Pohnpei. There are also a small number of Baha’is in the country.

11 Transportation

As of 2002, there were 240 kilometers (149 miles) of roadways on the major islands, of which 42 kilometers (26 miles) are paved. There are commercial harbor facilities at Kolonia, Moen, Okat, and Colonia. Interisland shipping service is provided by six government-owned vessels. International and interstate scheduled airline services are provided by Continental/Air Micronesia, Air Nauru, and Pacific Missionary Aviation. In 2005, there were six airports, all of which had paved runways.

12 History

The string of islands known as the Carolinian archipelago was sighted by European navigators in the 16th century. Until the end of the 19th century, the islands were under Spanish colonial administration.

In 1899, following the Spanish-American War, Spain sold the islands to Germany. The Japanese took control at the end of World War I (1914–18). Following the defeat of Germany and Japan by the Allies in World War II (1939–45), the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) came under United States administration as part of the United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.

On 10 May 1979, a constitution drafted by a popularly elected constitutional convention went into effect. The United Nations Security Council voted in December 1990 to terminate the FSM’s status as a United Nations Trust Territory. A capital, Palikir, was built in the Palikir Valley; it has served the FSM since 1990. The FSM became an independent state and joined the United Nations in September 1991. Its congress last met in March 1995.

The Compact of Free Association between the FSM and the United Sates expired in 2001. Under a new agreement, ongoing grant assistance was to be provided for a period of twenty years. Prior to beginning negotiations and before other assistance was considered, the United States requested a full accounting of the approximately $3 billion in U.S. funding provided to FSM since 1986. The United States also suggested that restrictions on Micronesian immigration might be tied to future funding. In May 2003, negotiators agreed upon a document providing 20 years of ongoing assistance in the amount of $76 million per year. U.S. President George W. Bush signed the agreement in December 2003.

Faichuk has been seeking independence from Chuuk since the 1960s. In March 2005, a congressional bill was introduced formally seeking

that Faichuk become the fifth state of the FSM.

In the late-1990s and continuing into the new millennium, global warming and the possibility of rising sea levels have raised concern over the long-term prospects for the islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. As countries that rise only a short distance above sea level, their existence may be threatened.

13 Government

The national executive branch includes the president, who also is chief of state, and vice president. Each serves a four-year term. The judiciary consists of a supreme court which applies criminal and civil laws and procedures that are similar to those of the United States. The legislature consists of a single-chamber congress of 14 senators.

Each of Micronesia’s four states has a legislature, governor, and lieutenant-governor. Municipalities are districts composed of a number of small communities (sections), some of which may be located in different islands. Municipal government is considered by many to be the most important level of government in Micronesia. The leaders of local bodies are generally tribal chiefs, who are considered to be more important figures than nationally elected

BIOGRAPHICAL PROFILE

Name: Joseph Urusemal

Position: President of a constitutional government in free association with the United States

Took Office: 11 May 2003

Birthplace: Woleai, an outer island of Yap State, Micronesia

Birthdate: 19 March 1952

Education: Rockhurst College, Kansas City, Missouri

Spouse: Olania Latileilam

Children: Four children: B. J., Tarsis, Craig, and Elenita

Of interest: Urusemal has a reputation for being soft-spoken but determined.

politicians by a large body of Micronesians. The Council of Chiefs can veto any legislation it considers detrimental to traditional ways.

14 Political Parties

There are no formal political parties in Micronesia.

15 Judicial System

The national judiciary consists of a supreme court, headed by a chief justice, and subordinate courts established by statute. The supreme court has both trial and appellate divisions and reviews cases that require interpretation of the constitution, national law, or treaties.

State and municipal court systems have been established in each of the states.

16 Armed Forces

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) maintains no armed forces. External security is the responsibility of the United States.

17 Economy

The economy faces serious disadvantages, including shortages of technical and managerial skills and large trade deficits. Grants from the United States—which account for almost one-third of gross domestic product (GDP)—were reduced in 2002. It was estimated in 2005 that

Yearly Growth Rate

This economic indicator tells by what percent the economy has increased or decreased when compared with the previous year.

after U.S.-led grants end, per capita GDP could drop to below $500. Privatization, reduction of government employment, and the development of tourism and fisheries are recommended.

18 Income

In 2005, Micronesia’s GDP was estimated to be $277 million, or $2,000 per person. The average annual inflation rate was 1% in 2002. The average annual growth rate of GDP was estimated at 0.3% in 2005.

19 Industry

Handicrafts and small-scale processing are carried out in all states. There is a cottage industries program in Yap. Truk has a garment factory, a coconut-processing plant, a boat-building plant, and a breadfruit flour plant. Industry in other states includes a coconut-processing and soap and oil plant, a feedmill, an ice production plant, a brick-manufacturing plant, and a wood-processing plant.

Components of the Economy

This pie chart shows how much of the country’s economy is devoted to agriculture (including forestry, hunting, and fishing), industry, or services.

20 Labor

The national labor force was estimated to be 23,190 in 1994 (the last year for which data is available). Two-thirds of the labor force in 2002 were government employees. In 2000 the unemployment rate stood at 22%. While unemployment remains high, the economy faces shortages of skilled personnel because more than 44% of the population is under 16 years of age. No labor unions had been formed as of 2002. There is no minimum working age for children and many children assist their families in subsistence farming activities.

21 Agriculture

Staple crops include taros, sweet potatoes, bananas, cassavas, and breadfruit. Other vegetables, such as cucumbers, eggplant, head cabbage, and tomatoes, are also produced. Other fruits include mangoes, papayas, pineapples, lemons, and limes, with oranges and tangerines also produced on Kosrae. The coconut palm is used for a wide range of purposes. Copra (dried coconut meat) is the main cash crop and the nation’s leading export. Crop production in 2004 included 140,000 tons of coconut, 11,800 tons of cassava, and 2,000 tons of bananas. Rich volcanic soil and heavy rainfall make gourmet Pohnpei peppers highly regarded.

22 Domesticated Animals

Livestock in 2005 included 13,900 head of cattle, 32,000 pigs, and 4,000 goats. Pigs are traditionally kept by many households for ceremonial purposes. The largest cattle herd is on Pohnpei Island. Chickens are also kept by many households.

23 Fishing

Although the tuna stocks offer a potential for a catch of more than 100,000 tons per year, there has been no interest shown in reaching this catch potential. The total catch in 2003 was 32,191 tons. The tuna catch is valued at about $200 million annually. Total fisheries exports were valued at $19 million in 2003.

24 Forestry

The nation has abundant forestry resources, particularly on the high islands. Exploitation of the nation’s forestry resources is limited and virtually all lumber used in construction is imported. In 2004, imports were valued at $2.1 million. Mangrove timber is used for handicrafts and furniture making.

Yearly Balance of Trade

The balance of trade is the difference between what a country sells to other countries (its exports) and what it buys (its imports). If a country imports more than it exports, it has a negative balance of trade (a trade deficit). If exports exceed imports there is a positive balance of trade (a trade surplus).

25 Mining

There are deposits of phosphates on Fais Island in Yap and bauxite in Pohnpei, Truk, and Yap, but there has been no commercial exploitation. Clays, coral, sand, rock aggregate, and quarry stone works supply construction materials.

26 Foreign Trade

Exports include agricultural products (coconuts, cassava, bananas, betel nuts, and sweet potatoes), pigs, chickens, and re-exports of fish. Major imports include food, beverages, tobacco, petroleum products, and machinery and transportation equipment.

The United States, Australia, and Japan are the import trading partners, while Japan, the

Selected Social Indicators

The statistics below are the most recent estimates available as of 2006. For comparison purposes, data for the United States and averages for low-income countries and high-income countries are also given. About 15% of the world’s 6.5 billion people live in high-income countries, while 37% live in low-income countries.

Indicator	Micronesia	Low-income countries	High-income countries	United States
sources: World Bank. World Development Indicators. Washington, D.C.: The World Bank, 2006; Central Intelligence Agency. The World Factbook. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 2006; World Resources Institute, Washington, D.C.
Per capita gross national income (GNI)*	$2,300	$2,258	$31,009	$39,820
Population growth rate	-0.1%	2%	0.8%	1.2%
People per square kilometer of land	157	80	30	32
Life expectancy in years: male	68	58	76	75
female	72	60	82	80
Number of physicians per 1,000 people	0.6	0.4	3.7	2.3
Number of pupils per teacher (primary school)	n.a.	43	16	15
Literacy rate (15 years and older)	89%	65%	>95%	99%
Television sets per 1,000 people	25	84	735	938
Internet users per 1,000 people	108	28	538	630
Energy consumed per capita (kg of oil equivalent)	n.a.	501	5,410	7,843
CO² emissions per capita (metric tons)	n.a.	0.85	12.97	19.92
* The GNI is the total of all goods and services produced by the residents of a country in a year. The per capita GNI is calculated by dividing a country’s GNI by its population and adjusting for relative purchasing power.
n.a.: data not available >: greater than <: less than

United States, and Guam are the major export partners.

27 Energy and Power

Imported petroleum supplies about 80% of the total energy requirements. Fuel wood for household use provides most of the other 20%. Diesel fuel accounts for more than two-thirds of petroleum imports.

28 Social Development

Rapid changes in society have resulted in increasing juvenile delinquency, drug and alcohol abuse, and crime. National and state social programs are addressing these trends. A social insurance system includes old age, disability, and survivor benefits. Sex discrimination and violence against women are serious problems. Women’s roles within the family remain essentially the traditional ones. Women, however, face no discrimination in education. In 2004, women were well represented in middle and lower levels of government and generally received equal pay for equal work.

29 Health

There are hospitals in each state center. In 2005, life expectancy was 69.75 years. Although polio has been eradicated, there have been cases of tuberculosis and measles. Anemia was seen in 33% of children under the age of five in 1993. In 2004, there were an estimated 60 physicians per 100,000 population.

30 Housing

In 2000, there were 15,273 occupied households, with about 44.4% on Chuuk, 35.8% on Pohnpei, 12.9% on Yap, and 6.9% on Kosrae. The average number of members per household was 6.8. There has been a movement away from traditional construction materials toward imported lumber, plywood, and corrugated metal roofing.

31 Education

Elementary education is compulsory up to the eighth grade or until age 15. In 1986 there were 142 primary schools, 9 of them private, with 968 teachers and 23,636 pupils. Secondary education was provided through five public high schools and five private secondary schools.

The only post-secondary institution is the College of Micronesia (COM) in Pohnpei. FSM students are eligible for post-secondary education grants from the U.S. government and attend schools mainly in Guam, Hawaii, and the U.S. mainland. Vocational education is provided by the Pohnpei Agriculture and Trade School and the Micronesian Occupational College in Palau. The adult literacy rate has been estimated at around 89%.

32 Media

In 2001 there were 10,100 mainline telephones in use, and 1,800 mobile telephones in use. As of 2001, there is one state-owned radio station in each state capital, broadcasting in English and local languages. There is one private radio station owned by a religious group. In 1997, there were 127 radios per 1,000 population. In 2006, there were an estimated 25 television sets for every 1,000 people. In 2002, there were 6,000 Internet subscribers.

Most of the papers and newsletters are published by the national and state governments. The National Union comes out twice monthly. State publications include Mogethin (Yap), Uss Me Auus, (Truk), Pohnpei Reports, Kaselehile Press Pohnpei State, and Kosrae State Newsletters.

33 Tourism and Recreation

Tourist attractions include the spectacular beauty of the high islands; the rich marine environment; World War II artifacts, including sunken Japanese ships in the Truk lagoon; and ancient remains on Yap Island. In 2003, there were 18,168 tourist arrivals, almost 41% of whom came from the United States.

34 Famous Micronesians

John Haglelgam, a former senator in the congress, was elected president of the FSM from 1987 to 1991. In 2000, FSM’s first five-story building (and first building with an elevator) opened. It was named for Raymond Setik (d. 1997), a successful businessman and one of the first members of the legislature in 1979.