 the Federated States of Micronesia
Falalop Island, Ulithi Atoll, Federated States of Micronesia
Author: Crescentmoon56 (public domain)
The Federated States of Micronesia is an island nation in the Western Pacific Ocean. It comprises the states of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae, and is within the wider Micronesia region which include other countries.
The Federated States of Micronesia has a land area of approximately 702 sq km (271 sq mi) covering an expanse of the Pacific Ocean that stretches 2,700 km from east to west. Micronesia is about four thousand kilometers from Hawaii and 2,900 km to the north of Australia. Its immediate neighbors include Papua New Guinea to the southwest, Guam to the north, Nauru and Marshall islands to the east, and Palau and the Philippines to the west.
Yap Stone Money in Gachpar village, Yap
Author: Eric Guinther (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported)
The Federated States of Micronesia are in two time zones, 10 and 11 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+10/+11). Traffic is driven on the right here. The US Dollar is used as the official currency. The phone IDD code is +691. English is the official language, although many local languages are also spoken. The majority of the locals are Christians, with Roman Catholics forming about 50% of the population while Protestants about 47%.
Micronesia had a 2009 estimated GDP at purchasing power parity of $341 million and a per capita GDP of $2,664. The people of Micronesia depend on farming and fishing for their livelihood. So far the tourism industry has not yet been fully tapped. The country is still very much dependent on aid from the United States for its development.
Children on Weno Island, Chuuk, Micronesia
Author: US Navy photo (public domain)
The Federated States of Micronesia was formerly the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. It became a sovereign state on 3 November, 1986 upon gaining independence. Other former Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands that have also formed independent countries include Marshall Islands and Palau.
Visiting Micronesia
An entry permit is not required if you are visiting the Federated States of Micronesia for less than 30 days. Citizens of the United States, Palau and Marshall Islands are granted permit-free access for up to one year. You need a passport with at least 120-day validity to be allowed entry.
You can fly to Micronesia on Continental Airlines from Honolulu. The flight makes an island hopping route from Honolulu to Majuro, Kwajalein, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk, Guam and then return the same way.
Manta ray off Yap
Author: Bartek.cieslak (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported)
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Major Cities in Micronesia
- Palikir - capital
- Kolonia
- Lele
- Moen
Major Islands in Micronesia
- Chuuk
- Kosrae
- Pohnpei
- Yap
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