DuckstersDucksters
History Biography Geography Science Games

Micronesia, Federated States of

Country of Micronesia, Federated States of Flag

Capital: Palikir

Population: 112,640

Brief History of Micronesia, Federated States of:

Micronesia, and the Caroline Islands, was settled thousands of years ago. Initially the islands were tribal and ruled by local chiefs. Later this developed into a more centralized empire with the main power located in Yap and Pohnpei.

The first Europeans to arrive were the Portuguese. They were searching for the Spice Islands. Later the Spanish arrived in the sixteenth century. The Spanish took control of the islands, but they would later move to German control and then to the Japanese in 1919. After World War II the islands were administered by the United States.

The islands became the separate nations called the Federated States of Micronesia in May of 1979. They are also sometimes referred to as the FSM.



Country of Micronesia, Federated States of Map

The Geography of Micronesia, Federated States of

Total Size: 702 square km

Size Comparison: four times the size of Washington, DC (land area only)

Geographical Coordinates: 6 55 N, 158 15 E

World Region or Continent: Oceania

General Terrain: islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low, coral atolls; volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Chuuk

Geographical Low Point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Geographical High Point: Dolohmwar (Totolom) 791 m

Climate: tropical; heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern islands; located on southern edge of the typhoon belt with occasionally severe damage

Major cities: PALIKIR (capital) 7,000 (2009)

The People of Micronesia, Federated States of

Type of Government: constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 3 November 1986 and the Amended Compact entered into force May 2004

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

Independence: 3 November 1986 (from the US-administered UN Trusteeship)

National Holiday: Constitution Day, 10 May (1979)

Nationality: Micronesian(s)

Religions: Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 47%, other 3%

National Symbol:

National Anthem or Song: Patriots of Micronesia

Economy of Micronesia, Federated States of

Major Industries: tourism, construction; fish processing, specialized aquaculture; craft items from shell, wood, and pearls

Agricultural Products: black pepper, tropical fruits and vegetables, coconuts, cassava (tapioca), betel nuts, sweet potatoes; pigs, chickens; fish

Natural Resources: forests, marine products, deep-seabed minerals, phosphate

Major Exports: fish, garments, bananas, black pepper

Major Imports: food, manufactured goods, machinery and equipment, beverages

Currency: US dollar (USD)

National GDP: $238,100,000




** Source for population (2012 est.) and GDP (2011 est.) is CIA World Factbook.

Back to Geography Home Page



Ducksters Footer Gif with Ducks


About Ducksters Privacy Policy 

 

This site is a product of TSI (Technological Solutions, Inc.), Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use.