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(opens in new window) In 1979 the Federated States of
Micronesia, a UN Trust Territory under US administration, adopted a
constitution. In 1986 independence was attained under a Compact of Free
Association with the US. Present concerns include large-scale unemployment,
overfishing, and overdependence on US aid. Oceania, island group in the North Pacific
Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Indonesia 6 55 N, 158 15 E total: 702 sq
km territorial sea:
12 nm tropical; heavy year-round rainfall,
especially in the eastern islands; located on southern edge of the typhoon
belt with occasionally severe damage islands vary geologically from high
mountainous islands to low, coral atolls; volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei,
Kosrae, and Chuuk lowest point:
Pacific Ocean 0 m forests, marine products, deep-seabed
minerals arable land:
5.71% NA sq km typhoons (June to December) overfishing, climate change, pollution
four major island groups totaling 607
islands 108,155 (July 2004 est.) nine ethnic Micronesian and Polynesian
groups Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 47%
English (official and common language),
Trukese, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Kosrean, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoro,
Kapingamarangi constitutional government in free
association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force
3 November 1986; economic provisions of the Compact are being renegotiated
Palikir 3 November 1986 (from the US-administered
UN Trusteeship) Constitution Day, 10 May (1979)
based on adapted Trust Territory laws,
acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws Economic activity consists primarily of
subsistence farming and fishing. The islands have few mineral deposits worth
exploiting, except for high-grade phosphate. The potential for a tourist
industry exists, but the remote location, a lack of adequate facilities, and
limited air connections hinder development. In November 2002, the country
experienced a further reduction in future revenues from the Compact of Free
Association - the agreement with the US in which Micronesia received $1.3
billion in financial and technical assistance over a 15-year period until
2001. The country's medium-term economic outlook appears fragile due not
only to the reduction in US assistance but also to the slow growth of the
private sector. Geographical isolation and a poorly developed infrastructure
remain major impediments to long-term growth. 1% (2002 est.) black pepper, tropical fruits and
vegetables, coconuts, cassava (tapioca), betel nuts, sweet potatoes; pigs,
chickens tourism, construction, fish processing,
specialized aquaculture, craft items from shell, wood, and pearls
fish, garments, bananas, black pepper
Japan, US, Guam (2000) food, manufactured goods, machinery and
equipment, beverages US, Australia, Japan (2000) US dollar (USD) 10,100 (2001) 1,800 (2002) total: 240 km
Colonia (Yap), Kolonia (Pohnpei), Lele,
Moen none 6 (2003 est.) total: 6 Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is a
sovereign, self-governing state in free association with the US; FSM is
totally dependent on the US for its defense |
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