Micronesia | Facts & Information

Updated September 9, 2022 | Infoplease Staff

Micronesia Profile
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Map of Micronesia

Facts & Figures

President: Peter M. Christian (2015)

Total area: 271 sq mi (702 sq km). Land area, same (includes islands of Pohnpei, Yap, Chuuk, and Kosrae)

Population (2014 est.): 105,681 (growth rate: –0.42); birth rate: 20.97/1000; infant mortality rate: 21.93/1000; life expectancy: 72.35

Capital (2011 est.): Palikir 7,000

Monetary unit: U.S. Dollar

Current government officials

Languages: English (official and common language), Chuukese, Kosrean, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi

Ethnicity/race: Chuukese/Mortlockese 49.3%, Pohnpeian 29.8%, Kosraean 6.3%, Yapese 5.7%, Yap outer islanders 5.1%, Polynesian 1.6%, Asian 1.4%, other 0.8% (2010 est.)

Religions: Roman Catholic 54.7%, Protestant 41.1% (includes Congregational 38.5%, Baptist 1.1%, Seventh Day Adventist 0.8%, Assembly of God .7%), Mormon 1.5%, other 1.9%, none 0.7%, unspecified 0.1% (2010 est.)

National Holiday: Constitution Day, May 10

Literacy rate: 89% (1980 est.)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2013 est.): $754 million; note: data are in 2013 US dollars; GDP supplemented by grant aid, averaging perhaps $100 million annually; per capita $7,300 (2013 est.). Real growth rate: 0.6%. Inflation: 3.4%. Unemployment: 22% (2000 est.). Arable land: 2.86%. Agriculture: black pepper, tropical fruits and vegetables, coconuts, cassava (tapioca), betel nuts, sweet potatoes; pigs, chickens; fish. Labor force: 15,920 (2011); agriculture: 0.9%, industry: 20.6%, services: 78.5%; note: two-thirds are government employees (2011 est.). Industries: tourism, construction; fish processing, specialized aquaculture; craft items from shell, wood, and pearls. Natural resources: forests, marine products, deep-seabed minerals. Exports: $24.9 million (2009 est.): fish, garments, bananas, black pepper. Imports: $132.7 million (2004 est.): food, manufactured goods, machinery and equipment, beverages. Major trading partners: Japan, U.S., Hong Kong, Guam (2006).

Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 8,400 (2012); mobile cellular: 27,600 (2012). Broadcast media: no TV broadcast stations; each state has a multi-channel cable service with TV transmissions carrying roughly 95% imported programming and 5% local programming; about a half dozen radio stations (2009). Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 4,668 (2012). Internet users: 17,000 (2009).

Transportation: Railways: 0 km. Highways: total: 240 km; paved: 42 km; unpaved: 198 km (2000 est.). Ports and harbors: Colonia (Tomil Harbor), Lele Harbor, Pohnepi Harbor. Airports: 6 (2013).

International disputes: none.

Major sources and definitions

Geography

The Federated States of Micronesia is composed of the island states of Yap, Chuuk (Truk), Pohnpei (Ponape), and Kosrae, all in the Caroline Islands. The islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low coral atolls, with volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Chuuk. They are located 3,200 mi (5,150 km) west-southwest of Hawaii, in the north Pacific Ocean.

Government

Constitutional government in free association with the United States since Nov. 1986.

History

The islands, inhabited by Micronesian and Polynesian peoples, were colonized by Spain in the 17th century. Germany purchased them from Spain in 1898. They were occupied by the Japanese in 1914, but American forces seized them from the Japanese during World War II. On April 2, 1947, the United Nations Security Council created the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. The trust placed the Northern Mariana, Caroline, and Marshall Islands under the administration of the United States.

International Integration

The Micronesian Federation (FMA) became self-governing in 1979. In 1983, the FMA voted to accept a Compact of Free Association with the U.S., and in Nov. 1986, the U.S. government declared the Trust Territory agreements no longer in effect—thereby granting the Federated States of Micronesia full independence. In Nov. 2002 the compact was renewed for another 20 years. The FMA was admitted to the United Nations on Sept. 17, 1991. In July 1993, the country became a member of the International Monetary Fund.

Climactic Changes

Micronesia, as well as many other South Pacific countries, is alarmed by the effect continued global warming will have on its islands. The consequent rise in the level of the oceans threatens low-lying islands with flooding and, eventually, submergence.

In 2004, Yap was ravaged by Typhoon Sudel, and much of its infrastructure was destroyed.

Peter M. Christian replaced Manny Mori as president of Micronesia on May 11, 2015. Before being elected president, Christian served as a senator and as Chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Communication.

See also Encyclopedia: Micronesia

U.S. State Dept. Country Notes: Micronesia

Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) http://www.fsmgov.org/info/people.html .