Micronesia Federated States - Travel Rooms and Hotels

The National Capital of Micronesia Federated States is: Palikir
Micronesia Federated States Area in Square Kilometers: 702.0
Population Statistics of Micronesia Federated States are: 108105
Micronesia Federated States is located in the continent of Oceania. The Oceania continent code is OC

Micronesia

Federated States of Micronesia

Geography
Area: 702 sq. km (about 270 sq. mi.) in four major island groups (Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap and Kosrae).
Cities: Capital--Palikir. Other cities--Kolonia, Weno, Colonia, Lelu.
Terrain: 607 mountainous islands and low-lying coral atolls.
Climate: Tropical.

People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Micronesian.
Population: 108,000.
Growth rate: 0.26%.
Ethnic groups: Nine ethnic Micronesian and Polynesian groups.
Religion: Roman Catholic 53%, Protestant 42.4%, others 4.6%.
Language: English, and nine ethnic languages.
Education: Literacy--91%.
Health: Life expectancy--male 65.6 yrs.; female 66.9 yrs. Infant mortality rate--40.4/1,000.
Work force: More than one-half of workers are government employees.

Government
Type: Constitutional confederation in free association with the U.S. The first Compact of Free Association entered into force in 1986, and an Amended Compact entered into force June 30, 2004.
Independence (from U.S.-administered UN trusteeship): November 3, 1986.
Constitution: May 10, 1979.
Branches: Executive--President (chief of state and head of government), cabinet. Legislative--unicameral Congress with 14 seats. Judicial--Supreme Court.
Major political parties: No formal parties.

Economy (FY 2004 figures)
GDP: $218 million.
GDP per capita (nominal): $2,018.
National income (GDP + foreign assistance): $360 million.
National income per capita: $3,100.
GDP composition by sector: services 77%, agriculture 19%, industry 4%.
Industry: Types--fishing, agriculture, tourism.
Trade: Exports ($14 million)--fish, kava, betel nut. Export market--Japan (21%), US (25%), others (53%), U.S. Imports ($133 million)--food, manufactured goods, fuel. Import sources--U.S. (50%), Japan (11%), others (39%).
External debt: $ 60.81 million.
Currency: U.S. dollar.

GEOGRAPHY AND PEOPLE
The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) consists of 607 islands extending 1,800 miles across the archipelago of the Caroline Islands east of the Philippines. The four states are the island groups of Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap, and Kosrae. The federal capital is Palikir, on Pohnpei.

The indigenous population consists of various ethnolinguistic groups. English has become the common language. The birth rate remains high at more than 3%, but the population of the four states remains almost constant due to emigration.

HISTORY
The ancestors of the Micronesians settled the Caroline Islands over 4,000 years ago. A decentralized chieftain-based system eventually evolved into a more centralized economic and religious empire centered on Yap. European explorers--first the Portuguese in search of the Spice Islands and then the Spanish--reached the Carolines in the 16th century, with the Spanish establishing sovereignty. The current FSM passed to German control in 1899, and then to the Japanese in 1914 Following World War II, these islands became part of the United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, administered by the United States.

On May 10, 1979, four of the Trust Territory districts ratified a new constitution to become the Federated States of Micronesia. The neighboring trust districts of Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands chose not to participate. The FSM signed a Compact of Free Association with the U.S. in 1986. An Amended Compact entered into force in June 2004.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS
The FSM is governed under a 1979 constitution, which guarantees fundamental human rights and establishes a separation of governmental powers. The unicameral Congress has 14 members elected by popular vote. Four senators--one from each state--serve 4-year terms; the remaining 10 senators represent single-member districts based on population and serve 2-year terms. The President and Vice President are elected by Congress from among the four senators who serve in 4-year seats. Once elected, the President and Vice President serve for four years. Their congressional seats are then filled by special elections. An appointed cabinet supports the president and vice president. There are no formal political parties.

The FSM is a confederation with a weak central government. Each of FSM's four states has its own constitution and its own elected legislature and governor. The state governments maintain considerable power, particularly regarding the implementation of budgetary policies.

The FSM’s highest court is the Supreme Court, which is divided into trial and appellate divisions. The President appoints judges with the advice and consent of the Congress.

Micronesia