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
note: includes Pohnpei (Ponape), Chuuk (Truk) Islands, Yap Islands, and Kosrae (Kosaie)
water: 0 sq km (fresh water only)
land: 702 sq km

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 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
highest point: Dolohmwar (Totolom) 791 m

forests, marine products, deep-seabed minerals

arable land: 5.71%
permanent crops: 45.71%
other: 48.58% (2001)

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
paved: 42 km
unpaved: 198 km (1999 est.)

Colonia (Yap), Kolonia (Pohnpei), Lele, Moen

none

6 (2003 est.)

total: 6
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2003 est.)

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