Historical Timeline
1521 (March 6, Monday) – Spanish exploration of the island chain by Ferdinand Magellan
1899 (June 12, Monday) – German colonial rule begins over the Caroline Islands (including Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap, and Kosrae)
1914 (October 29, Thursday) – Japanese control begins after German defeat in World War I, Micronesia becomes part of the Japanese mandate
1941–1945 – World War II: U.S. forces battle Japanese forces in the Pacific, significant military activity in Micronesia
1962 (July 18, Wednesday) – Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands placed under U.S. administration
1979 (May 10, Thursday) – Constitution of the Federated States of Micronesia is adopted, and the country becomes a self-governing entity
1986 (November 3, Monday) – Compact of Free Association with the United States comes into effect, establishing Micronesia’s political relationship with the U.S.
1994 (November 3, Thursday) – Federated States of Micronesia formally becomes an independent nation, ending its trust territory status
2015 (October 13, Tuesday) – Typhoon Maysak hits, causing significant damage, especially in the Chuuk and Yap states
2017 (March 28, Tuesday) – Tropical Cyclone Bansi causes flooding and infrastructure damage across the islands
2020 (April 5, Sunday) – COVID-19 pandemic arrives, and the country enacts strict border controls
2021 (July 26, Monday) – Typhoon Lupit impacts the islands, bringing heavy rains and winds, affecting agriculture and infrastructure
General Information
Continent: Oceania
Location: Western Pacific Ocean, north of the equator
Capital: Palikir
Language: English (official), Chuukese, Pohnpeian, Kosraean, Yapese (indigenous languages)
Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
Population: ~115,000 (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Federated States of Micronesia Standard Time (FSMST, UTC+11)
Topography
Borders: None (island nation)
Landscape: Island chain with coral atolls, volcanic islands, and mountainous islands
Major Rivers: None (due to island geography)
Major Mountains: Mount Nanlaud (Pohnpei, 798 m / 2,618 ft)
Deserts: None
Lakes: Pohnpei’s “Sokehs Ridge” lake and other small lakes
Volcanoes: Mount Pico (Yap)
Highest Point: Mount Nanlaud (798 m / 2,618 ft)
Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean (0 m)
Climate: Tropical rainforest climate with high humidity and frequent rainfall; seasonal changes between wet and dry seasons
Geological Features: Coral reefs, volcanic islands, and atolls
Demography
Ethnic Groups: Micronesian (comprising Chuukese, Pohnpeian, Yapese, and Kosraean peoples)
Religion: Christianity (Catholic, Protestant), indigenous beliefs
Urban Population: ~22% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~4% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)
Culture
Famous For: Traditional navigation, elaborate tattoos, strong ties to indigenous customs
Cuisine: Fish, coconut, taro, breadfruit, yam, and other root vegetables
Arts: Weaving, carving, basketry, traditional dances and chants
Sports: Basketball, soccer, canoeing, traditional games
Economy
Economy Type: Small, largely dependent on fishing, agriculture, and aid
GDP: Approx. $400 million USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Fishing, tourism, agriculture (copra, fruit), government services
Key Exports: Fish, copra, and handicrafts
Unemployment Rate: ~22% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Agriculture mainly on larger islands like Pohnpei, Yap, and Kosrae; fishing is important for the economy
Government
Government Type: Federal republic
Head of State: President Wesley W. Simina (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: President Wesley W. Simina (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Bicameral (Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia)
Constitution: In effect since 1979, with amendments
Travel Attractions
Pohnpei: Ancient ruins of Nan Madol, natural beauty, waterfalls
Kosrae: Diving and snorkeling, pristine reefs and beaches
Yap: Traditional stone money, ancient culture, canoeing, and diving
Chuuk Lagoon: World-famous diving spot with wrecks from World War II
Ant Atoll: Famous for its coral reef and lagoon ecosystem