Micronesia, officially known as the Federated States of Micronesia, is an island nation located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is comprised of four states: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae. The capital of Micronesia is Palikir, which is located on the island of Pohnpei.

The islands of Micronesia were settled by humans over 4,000 years ago, and today the population is estimated to be around 100,000 people. The official languages of Micronesia are English, Chuukese, Kosraean, Pohnpeian, and Yapese.

The economy of Micronesia is primarily based on subsistence farming and fishing, as well as financial assistance from the United States. The U.S. provides Micronesia with millions of dollars in aid each year, and in return, the U.S. has exclusive military access to the islands.

Micronesia is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and stunning coral reefs, which make it a popular destination for tourists looking to go diving or snorkeling. The islands are also home to a number of historic sites, including ancient stone cities and ruins, as well as traditional cultural events and festivals.

Telephone Code
691

Local Emergency Phone
Local numbers only

Vaccinations
A valid international certificate of vaccination is required for travelers coming from a region infected with small pox, yellow fever, or cholera. See WHO recommendations.

http://www.who.int/

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

Currency (Code)
US dollar is used

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B

Major Languages
English, Chuukese, Kosrean, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi

Major Religions
Roman Catholic 54.7%, Protestant 41.1%, Mormon 1.5%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Nan Madol; Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon; Kepirohi Falls

Major Sports
Baseball, soccer

Cultural Practices
The islands are known for their stick dancing traditions. All the islands revere their extended family connections and clan system.

Tipping Guidelines
Meals are generally inexpensive so tipping by rounding up is appropriate. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.

Souvenirs
Shell jewelry, woven baskets and mats, navigational stick charts, wooden monkeyman statues, replica canoes

Traditional Cuisine
Kelaguen — chicken, meat, or raw seafood marinated in lemon juice, salt, and hot peppers topped with coconut and scallions; the chicken or other meat is grilled while the seafood is prepared raw and “cooked” for only a few hours in lemon juice

Geography
Area
total: 702 sq km
land: 702 sq km
water: 0 sq km

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

Natural resources
timber, marine products, deep-seabed minerals, phosphate

People and Society
Population
100,319 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Chuukese/Mortlockese 49.3%, Pohnpeian 29.8%, Kosraean 6.3%, Yapese 5.7%, Yap outer islanders 5.1%, Polynesian 1.6%, Asian 1.4%, other 0.8% (2010 est.)

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

Religions
Roman Catholic 54.7%, Protestant 41.1% (includes Congregational 38.5%, Baptist 1.1%, Seventh Day Adventist 0.8%, Assembly of God 0.7%), Church of Jesus Christ 1.5%, other 1.9%, none 0.7%, unspecified 0.1% (2010 est.)

Population growth rate
-0.7% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
federal republic in free association with the US

Capital
name: Palikir

Economy
Economic overview
lower middle-income Pacific island economy; US aid reliance, sunsetting in 2024; low entrepreneurship; mostly fishing and farming; US dollar user; no patent laws; tourism remains underdeveloped; significant corruption

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$375.055 million (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$3,300 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
coconuts, cassava, vegetables, sweet potatoes, bananas, pork, plantains, fruit, eggs, beef

Industries
tourism, construction; specialized aquaculture, craft items (shell and wood)

Exports
$88.3 million (2013 est.)

Exports - partners
Thailand 73%, Japan 10%, China 9% (2019)

Exports - commodities
fish and fish products, coral/shells, scrap metals, mollusks, office machinery/parts (2019)

Imports
$167.8 million (2015 est.)

Imports - partners
United States 32%, China 16%, Japan 14%, Taiwan 9%, Philippines 6%, South Korea 6% (2019)

Imports - commodities
poultry meats, netting, broadcasting equipment, various meats, fish products (2019)