Country Guide • Micronesia
The Federated States of Micronesia consist of four major island groups or states, Pohnpei, Chuuk (formerly Truk), Kosrae and Yap which are located in the Pacific Ocean located 3,200 miles west-southwest of Hawaii. The territory is made up of 607 islands and atolls, of which 40 are a significant size. Most of the islands are of coral formation either being atolls with a series of islets and a lagoon or low flat coral pancakes.
| Official Name | Federated States of Micronesia |
|---|---|
| Area | 702km² (271mile²) Kosrae (five islands)—110km² (42mile²) Pohnpei (163 islands)—344 sq km (133mile²) Chuuk (formerly Truk) (294 islands)—127 sq km (49mile²) Yap (145 islands)—119km² (46mile²) |
| Population | 137,000 |
| Continent | Australia/Oceania |
| Population per mile² | 505 |
| Capital City | Palikir on Pohnpei Island |
| Religions | Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 47% Other minorities include Seven Day Adventists, Jehovah Witnesses and the Assembly of God followers. In some areas local native tribal beliefs are still quite strong |
| Language | English is the official and and most used language other indigenous languages are Chukese, Pohnpeian, Yapase, and Kosrean |
| Government | Constitutional government in free association with USA |
| Currency | Us Dollar |
| GDP | $213 million |
| GDP per Head | $1868 |
| Natural Resources | Deep-seabed minerals and timber |
| Land Use | Arable Land 6% |
| Agriculture | Black pepper, tropical fruits and vegetables, coconuts, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes, pigs and chickens |
| Industry | Copra, fishing and tourism - although most earnings come from US aid |
| Tourism | Not known for its tourism Micronesia is a great haven to get away from other tourists. Great beaches and great wrecks to explore if diving |
| Natural Hazards | None |
| Health Risks | Typhoid |
| Climate | Micronesia has a tropical climate and this is heavily influenced by the NE trade winds which prevail from November to December and April to May. The trade winds bring frequent heavy rainfall and average temperature ranges are from 26 to 27°C all year |
| Time | GMT/UTC+10 hours in Yap and Chuuk; GMT/UTC+11 hours in Pohnpei and Kosrae |
| National Days | December 24* Yap Constitution Day January 11* Kosrae Constitution Day March 1* Yap Day March 31* Pohnpei Culture Day May 10 Constitution Day (Federated States of Micronesia) September 11* Kosrae and Pohnpei Liberation Day October 24 United Nations Day November 4 National Day November 8* Pohnpei Constitution Day November 27* Kosrae Thanksgiving Day *Variations occur from island to island |
| Visas | Visas are not required for tourist visits up to 30 days. Your 30 days start afresh each time you move to a different island group. US citizens can extend their permit for up to a year |
| British Embassy | Embassy Details |
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