Federated states of micronesia on the map. Micronesia - Federated States of Micronesia

The official name is the Federated States of Micronesia.

Located in the Western Pacific Ocean. The area is 702 km2, the population is 137 thousand people. (2003). The official language is English. The capital is the city of Palikir (11.7 thousand people, 2003). Public holiday - Constitution Day May 10 (since 1979). Monetary unit - US dollar.

Member of the UN (since 1991), IMF (since 1993), Pacific Islands Forum (formerly UTF, 1987).

The Federated States of Micronesia is located north of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands on 607 islands in the central and eastern parts of the Caroline Archipelago and the Kapingamarangi Atoll to the south. The length from the west (Yap Island) to the east (Kosrae Island) is approx. 3 thousand km.

Attractions of Micronesia

Geographical coordinates: 6°55 north latitude and 158°15 east longitude. The Federated States of Micronesia are divided into 4 parts: 1) Pohnpei - the island of the same name (the largest, 334 km2) and more than 160 islands and atolls; 2) Chuuk - 11 "high" islands in the Truk lagoon (one of the largest in the world - over 2 thousand km2) and several groups of coral atolls and islands; 3) Yap - 4 islands that make up the island of Yap (three of them are interconnected by bridges) and 15 groups of small islands and atolls; 4) Kosrae - the island of the same name and the island of Lelu, connected by a dam. The length of the coastline is 6112 km.

Most of the islands of the Caroline Archipelago are low coral. Rain moisture does not linger in the upper layers of calcareous soils. The vegetation is adapted to saline groundwater. On the "high" volcanic islands - Pohnpei and Kosrae - the soils are rich in organic matter, the vegetation is much more diverse (areca palm, ramp, bamboo, etc.). Mangroves cover the coast of almost all volcanic islands. The highest point is 791 m (Pohnpei). Pohnpei has over 40 rivers. The animal world is represented by bats, rats, crocodiles, snakes, lizards are found. The world of birds is diverse. Yap, unlike other "high" islands, is of non-volcanic origin, it is covered with hills and meadows. The waters of coral reefs and lagoons are rich in fish and marine animals.

Minerals: the world's largest tuna reserves in the 200-mile economic zone (over 2.6 million km2), high-quality phosphate deposits and potential seabed minerals.

The climate is tropical. Temperature +23-30°С. Pohnpei Island is one of the wettest places on the planet (over 5000 mm of precipitation per year). But under the influence of El Niño, droughts occur. Destructive typhoons are regular (June-December).

The average annual population growth rate is approx. 3% per year, partially offset by emigration (about 15 thousand immigrants from the Federated States of Micronesia live in Guam, the Mariana and Hawaiian Islands, as well as in the US mainland). The vast majority of the inhabitants are Micronesians, there are Polynesians. Ethnic features are affected by long-term contacts with Europeans and the Japanese occupation. English is widely spoken, two of the 8 languages ​​​​of the Malayo-Polynesian group are Chuukese (about 50% of the population) and Ponpean (25%). Each of the main parts of the country has its own culture and traditions, but there are also common features. Competently 89% of the adult population. Life expectancy for men is 67 years, for women - 71 years. Child mortality 33 people. per 1000 newborns.

Catholics - 50% of believers, Protestants - 47%, there are adherents of local beliefs.

The Caroline Islands were named in honor of the Spanish king Charles II - in 1521 F. Magellan landed here. Since 1899, the archipelago has been under the control of Germany (bought it from Spain). Japan occupied it in 1914. After the 2nd World War, 6 Pacific territories, under a UN mandate, came under the trusteeship of the United States (1947). Of these, 3 (Pohnpei, including Kosrae; Yap and Chuuk) are the current constituent parts of the Federated States of Micronesia. Since 1979, the Constitution of the Federated States of Micronesia, the national and state governments have been in force. In 1986, with the entry into force of the Treaty of Free Association with the United States, the Federated States of Micronesia became a sovereign state. In 1990, the UN Security Council abolished the status of a mandated territory in relation to the Federated States of Micronesia.

The Federated States of Micronesia is a presidential republic. The President is the head of state and government.

Administratively divided into 4 states according to geographical parts. In addition to the capital, the states have administrative centers.

Legislative power belongs to the National Congress. It has 14 senators: 4 - one from each state - are elected for 4 years (next elections in 2007), another 10 - for 2 years in proportion to the population (next elections in 2005). From the composition of the "four-year" senators, the congress elects for 4 years the president (since 2003 - J. Urusemal) and the vice president (R. Killion). By-elections are held to fill the vacancies that have arisen since then. In the election of state leaders, the informal principle of rotation between the states operates. Each of the 4 states of the country has a similar structure of executive and legislative power in accordance with its own Constitution. State governments exercise most of the executive functions in the state.

There are no political parties.

Under the Treaty of "free association" with the United States, the latter carry out the defense of the Federated States of Micronesia.

The Federated States of Micronesia have had diplomatic relations with Russia since 1999.

GDP per capita approx. 2 thousand US dollars. GDP growth rates since ser. 1990s - 1-2% per year. Agriculture retains a semi-natural character. Its value is declining. It employs up to 50%. The rest work in the public sector, retail and tourism industries. Unemployment - 15-20%.

Coconut palm, betel, cassava, tropical fruits and vegetables, sweet potatoes, black pepper are grown, poultry and pig farming, fishing and fish processing are developing. Souvenirs are made from shells, wood and pearls.

Automobile roads - 240 km (42 km - with a hard surface). Each of the 4 city centers has an international airport capable of receiving medium-range aircraft and a deep water port accessible to ocean-going vessels. In the Federated States of Micronesia - 2 thousand Internet users (2000).

Up to 15 thousand tourists visit the islands annually. Remoteness and lack of infrastructure hinder the development of tourism, but the Asian Development Bank considers this industry the most promising.

The Federated States of Micronesia is heavily dependent on US financial assistance. According to the Agreement on "free association" in 1986-2001, it amounted to approx. $2 billion in grants and subsidies. Since 1999, negotiations have been underway to extend the Treaty. Aid has been extended for the duration of the negotiations, but has been declining in recent years, affecting the economic situation of the Federated States of Micronesia.

In addition to fish and fish products (85% of exports), copra and coconut oil, black pepper, bananas, etc. are exported. Imported foodstuffs and drinks, finished products, equipment. The main partners are the USA, Japan, Guam, Australia. Up to 30% of budget revenues come from the sale of licenses to foreign fishing vessels.

Primary (eight years) public education is compulsory (but 25% of children do not attend school). There are 2 (private) secondary schools, Marine and Fisheries Academy (secondary and college level). The College of Micronesia (Pohnpei) provides higher education.

The content of the article

MICRONESIA, The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), a state in the northwestern part of Oceania between 0 and 14 ° N. latitude. and 136 and 166°E (2500 km from west to east), occupies 607 islands of the Caroline archipelago (except for the islands of Palau, or Belau, in the west). Consists of four states: Yap, Chuuk (formerly Truk), Pohnpei (formerly Ponape) and Kosrae (formerly Kusae). The total land area is 702 sq. km. (including Pohnpei 0.34 thousand sq. km., Chuuk 0.13 thousand sq. km., Yap 0.12 thousand sq. km., Kosrae 0.12 thousand sq. km.). Only 40 islands are significant in size. The largest of them are islands with the same names as the states. The capital is the city of Palikir on the island of Pohnpei.

NATURE

According to the geological structure, low coral islands rising 3–5 m above sea level and higher volcanic ones (Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae) with elevated mountainous central parts are distinguished. Volcanic islands are surrounded by lagoons, separated from the ocean by coral barrier reefs, often consisting of several dozen small islands. Many reefs have passages that allow ships to approach large islands.

Yap State includes seven small and four large islands (Yap, Map, Rumung, Gagil-Tomil) and 134 atolls, spreading from west to east for 1100 km. Yap Island is characterized by a hilly terrain with a maximum height of 178 m (Mount Tabiwol) and fertile soils. It is surrounded by a barrier reef. Most of the population of the state of the same name lives on the island of Yap. The state capital is the city of Colonia. The largest atoll of the Caroline Islands, Uliti Island (8 sq. km), consists of 40 small islands. The Fais atoll in the Yap group is known for its phosphorite reserves.

Chuuk State, which occupies a central position in the FSM, is located 1440 km east of Yap Island and consists of 15 small island groups scattered in the waters of the Pacific Ocean over a distance of 480 km in a latitudinal direction in the north and 960 km in the south. The state also includes the atolls of Namonuito (the second largest in the world), consisting of 10 islets, Namoluk (triangular), Laol, Pis, Talap, the islands of Pular, Puluwat, Kuop, Nama, Losap, Mortlock (100 islands in three groups - Ethal, Lukunor and Satavan). The Chuuk Islands proper is a compact group of 14 mountainous islands of volcanic origin (Moen, Tol, Dublon, Fefan, Uman, etc.) with a total area of ​​72 sq. km. km, surrounded by a coral reef. The main city of the state of Chuuk Moen is located on the island of the same name. The lagoon surrounding the 14 central islands of the Chuuk group with an area of ​​2000 sq. km, serves as an excellent harbor for the port on the island of Dublon. The settlements are confined to the coasts of the islands.

The state of Pohnpei occupies the largest island of the same name, surrounded by a reef consisting of 2.5 dozen islets, half of which are of volcanic origin. The state also includes the islands of Ant (2 large and 12 small), Pakin, Oroluk (with small islets), Mokil (the islands of Urak, Manton, Mokil with excellent timber and several hundred small ones), Pingelap (Pingelap proper, Takai and Tagulu , united by one reef), as well as two isolated atolls, Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi (also known as Greenwich).

The soils of Pohnpei are fertile, lush forest vegetation covers the slopes rising straight from the shores up to Mount Nana Laud (798 m), located in the center of the island. Numerous rivers originate from it - sources of drinking water. On this island is the capital of the state of Palikir with the residences of government and congress, a modern airport and seaport. The state capital is the city of Colonia.

The state of Kosrae is located on the island of the same name and the surrounding reef in the extreme east of the FSM. The island is mountainous with a strongly dissected relief (the highest point is Mount Fincol, 634 m above sea level), covered with thickets of excellent timber forest. The soils are fertile. There are significant reserves of river drinking water. Kosrae Island is surrounded by a reef, there are four convenient bays (Okat, Lelu, Taf and Utwe). The main settlements - Tafunsak, Lelu, Malem and Utwe - are located on the coast and are interconnected by an unpaved road. The capital city of the state is Lelu. There is a local air connection with o.Pohnpei. The airport is operational.

The climate of FSM is equatorial, more humid in the east of the archipelago, where the zone of cyclones passes. Conventionally, two seasons are distinguished: dry (January - March) and wet (April - December). From November to December, the northeast trade winds prevail, the rest of the year, southwest monsoon winds blow, bringing heavy rainfall. Pohnpei has an average of 300 rainy days a year. The average annual rainfall is 3000–4000 mm. Seasonal fluctuations in air temperature are insignificant, the average monthly temperatures are 24–30 ° C. The length of daylight hours is the same throughout the year.

The vegetation is represented mainly by virgin moist equatorial forests on the slopes of the mountains. On volcanic islands, it is much more diverse than on coral ones. The coasts of volcanic islands are often covered with mangroves. On the islands of both types grow coconut palm, breadfruit, pandanus, bananas. Europeans and Asians introduced citrus fruits, cassava, sweet potato, various tropical fruit trees, chocolate tree, and black pepper.

The land fauna is not very diverse. Bats, rats (brought on ships by the first Europeans), lizards are represented. Many kinds of birds. The fauna of the ocean is extremely diverse and rich, including many species of fish, crustaceans, bivalves, dolphins, whales and dugongs are sometimes found.

POPULATION

As of July 2003, the FSM had a population of 108,143. The age composition of the population: under 15 years old - 38%, aged 15 to 64 years old - 59%, over 65 years old - 3%. The average life expectancy is 69.13 years. Population growth in 2003 was 0.04%. The birth rate reaches 26.47 per 1000 inhabitants, the death rate is 5.1 per 1000. The emigration rate is 20.98 per 1000. Infant mortality is 32.39 per 1000 newborns.

The "free association" agreement with the United States allows citizens of the country to freely choose their place of residence within the United States. At the present time in the USA (on the island of Guam, the Hawaiian Islands and on the mainland) approx. 15 thousand FSM citizens.

The ancestors of the modern inhabitants of the Caroline Islands come from Southeast Asia. In racial terms, they form a special group, formed as a result of a mixture of Australoid and Mongoloid elements. The atolls of Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi are inhabited by Polynesians. In ethnic terms, 9 groups are distinguished.

The official language of the FSM and the language of international communication is English. The indigenous languages ​​of the archipelago belong to the East Oceanic group of the Oceanic branch of the Austronesian family: Yap, Woleai, Uliti and Sonsorol, Caroline, Truk, Kosrae, Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi. The last two belong to the Polynesian languages. The writing of local languages ​​is based on the Latin script. Many older people speak Japanese.

50% are Catholics, 47% are Protestants, less than 1% of the population adheres to local traditional beliefs.

Ethnic composition and employment.

The ancestors of the modern inhabitants of the Caroline Islands come from Southeast Asia. According to the latest theories, Micronesia was settled in two ways - through the islands of the Malay Archipelago, and possibly the Japanese Islands, and also through Vanuatu (former New Hebrides). The inhabitants of the Caroline Islands, like all Micronesians, racially form a special group, formed as a result of a mixture of Australoid and Mongoloid elements. They are characterized by rather dark skin, wavy, straight and curly hair, and medium height. In the appearance of some Carolinians, there are also Japanese, Chinese and European features. The atolls of Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi are inhabited by Polynesians.

The traditional occupations of the local population are fishing and farming. Small areas of the forest cleared from the forest are used for the cultivation of coconut palm, breadfruit, pandanus, yams, sweet potatoes, cassava, bananas, taro, sugar cane. Currently, citrus fruits, various fruits (pineapples, papaya, mangoes, etc.), chocolate tree, pepper (black and betel) are also grown. The population is also engaged in fishing and collecting shellfish and crustaceans on the reef. In recent years, employment in the tourism business (hotels, restaurants, agencies) and airports has been growing. In the cities, Carolinians work as petty employees and are engaged in handicrafts, in particular, the manufacture of souvenirs.

Language and writing.

The official language of the FSM is English, which is also the language of interethnic communication. The indigenous languages ​​of the archipelago belong to the East Oceanian group of the Oceanian branch of the Austronesian family - Yap, Woleai, Ulithi and Sonsorol, Caroline, Truk, Kosrae, Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi. The last two belong to the Polynesian languages. The writing of local languages ​​is based on the Latin script. English is taught in all schools. Many older people speak Japanese.

Religion.

The overwhelming majority of the population professes Christianity, and there are approximately equal numbers of Catholics and Protestants. Protestants predominate in some states (over 98% in Kosrai), in others - Catholics (Chuuk state). Less than 1% of the population adheres to local traditional beliefs.

POLITICAL SYSTEM

The FSM is a democratic, federal presidential republic in a "free association" relationship with the United States. The head of state and government is the president. Like the Vice President, he is elected by Congress from among its members for a term of four years. In 2003, Joseph John Urusemal was elected President of Micronesia.

The highest legislative body is the National Congress, which consists of 14 members. 4 of them (sometimes called senators) are elected by the population for 4 years (one from each state), the remaining 10 - for 2 years in single-member districts (5 in Chuuk, 3 in Pohnpei, 1 each in Yap and Kosrae). The last elections took place in 2003. The minimum age for participation in elections is 18 years.

Each of the 4 states has a governor and a legislature elected by the people.

There are no official political parties.

The highest judicial body is the Supreme Court.

The FSM is a member of the UN (since 1991) and its specialized organizations, as well as a number of regional organizations, such as the Pacific Forum.

There are no own armed forces. According to the agreement on "free association", the country's military protection is provided by the United States.

ECONOMY

Micronesia's economy is based on subsistence and semi-subsistence agriculture and fishing. There are few minerals on the islands, except for phosphates. There is significant potential for the development of the tourism industry, but the remote location, lack of developed infrastructure and an established system of transport links hinder it. The private sector is growing slowly.

After the value of GDP reached $145 million in 1989, it declined in subsequent years and in 2002 was estimated to be around $100 million, or approx. 2 thousand dollars per capita. Real GDP growth in 2002 reached 1%. Agriculture provided 50% of the value of GDP, industry - 4%, services - 46%.

The inflation rate in 2002 was 1%. OK. 28% of the population lives below the official poverty line. Two-thirds of the wage labor force works in the public sector. Unemployment in 1999 reached 16%.

Agriculture provides 60% of the country's food needs. Nearly 50% of the working population all year round or during agricultural work. They grow coconut palm, breadfruit, pandanus, yams, sweet potato, cassava, bananas, taro, citrus fruits, papaya, mango, chocolate tree, pepper (black and betel), and other crops. Goats, sheep and buffalo are bred on Pohnpei. Some agricultural products are exported, mainly coconut products. The coconut palm, its leaves and nuts are the main food of the islanders. In recent years, the role of fishing has increased in the country's economy, since the resources of the ocean within the maritime economic zone (2.6 million square kilometers) are its property. Licensed fishing is carried out by Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Mexico and the USA. The Micronesian Maritime Academy operates on Yap, which trains personnel for the development of fisheries.

Foreign tourism is developing. Every year the country is visited by approx. 25 thousand tourists, mainly from Australia and Japan. The industry is dominated by construction, fish processing, aquaculture, the production of handicrafts and souvenirs from shells, wood and mother-of-pearl.

The main export items are copra (more than 50% of export value), pepper (black and betel), fish (mainly tuna), trochus shells, coconut derivatives (edible and cosmetic oils, soaps, creams), bananas, local handicrafts. The export volume is 73 million dollars per year. Goods are exported primarily to Japan, the USA and Guam.

The value of imports is estimated at $168 million (1996). FSM imports up to 40% of food products, manufactured goods, cars and other machines, oil products. Main import partners: USA, Australia and Japan.

The total length of roads is 240 km, of which 42 km. have a hard coating. The main ports are Colonia (Yap), Colonia (Pohnpei), Lele, Moen. In 2002, there were 7 airports, of which 6 were paved.

Micronesia has 11 thousand telephone lines and 2 thousand Internet users, 6 radio and 2 television stations. The population owns 9.4 thousand radios and 2.8 thousand television sets.

The budget consists of taxes, exports of agricultural products, seafood, licensing of tuna fishing by foreign states in the maritime economic zone. Financial assistance from the United States helped to cover the excess of expenses over income. In accordance with the agreement on "free association", in 1986-2001 the United States provided financial and technical assistance in the total amount of 1.3 billion dollars. By agreement in 2002, this assistance was significantly reduced. External debt 53.1 million dollars. Monetary unit - US dollar.

SOCIETY AND CULTURE

Education.

According to the FSM constitution, education is financed from the central and regional budgets. Primary and secondary schools are owned by the state and religious missions. State governments provide primary education and teacher training, while central governments support and coordinate education at all levels. Young people receive vocational education at the Micronesian College in Palikir (opened in 1972, it has faculties of business, pedagogy, applied arts, etc.), the Micronesian vocational center on the island of Kosrai, at the schools of agriculture and trade on Pohnpei, the Javier Higher School on Chuuk, and also in US educational institutions (on the mainland, Guam and the Hawaiian Islands).

Healthcare.

Medical assistance to the population is carried out in full by state medical institutions. True, in recent years, a private dental and medical practice has appeared on Pohnpei Island. The FSM government recruits doctors for the Public Health Program through the US National Health Service and the United Nations Development Program. It also runs various health, nutrition and sanitation programs from the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations International Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the South Pacific Commission (STC). There are hospitals in every state, several dispensaries and more than 100 dispensaries operate in the country. In difficult cases, patients are sent to hospitals on the island of Guam and the Hawaiian Islands.

Culture.

The traditional culture of the FSM population is all-Micronesian (with the exception of the culture of the two Polynesian atolls of Nukuoro and Kapingamaranga). However, it has undergone significant changes over several centuries of foreign domination. But even at present, on many islands, there are houses of local pillar construction without walls, the function of which is performed by gable roofs that reach to the ground, covered with palm leaves or mats. Micronesians still master the art of making wooden boats without a single metal nail. Leaders play a significant role in the public life of the FSM. Perhaps the culture of the Yap people remained the most conservative (folklore, dances, houses on stone foundations under palm leaves, loincloths for men and puffy skirts made of vegetable fibers for women).

Intensive contacts in recent decades with the Western world have changed the mentality of the young generation of FSM citizens, who are no longer guided by traditional values, but strive to join the achievements of Western civilization.

STORY

The ancestors of the Micronesians settled the Caroline Islands more than 4 thousand years ago. Over the centuries, two social groups have developed in Micronesian society - "noble" and "simple"; the former did not engage in physical labor and differed from the latter in special tattoos and decorations. At the head of the territorial associations were leaders (tomol), but their power was not the same on different islands. On Temen Island (Pohnpei state) the remains of an ancient civilization - the stone city of Nan Madol - were discovered. It consisted of monumental structures erected on reefs - platforms built of coral rubble and lined with basalt slabs. Residential and temple complexes were erected on the platforms, the dead were buried and various rituals were performed. According to legends, the city was the center of the vast Saudeler power and was destroyed by the conquerors, after which Pohnpei broke up into five territorial entities. Similar monuments were found on Lelu island (Kosrae state). On the island of Yap in later times, apparently, there was a centralized state formation, which had economic and religious functions. Tribute was collected from conquered tribes. The first Europeans found on Yap one- and two-tier platforms with temples and men's houses, as well as original money in the form of large stone disks with a hole in the center.

The Caroline Islands were discovered by European navigators in the 16th and 17th centuries. In 1526 di Menezighi discovered the Yap Islands, and in 1528 Alvaro Saavedra first saw the Truk Islands (modern Chuuk). In 1685, Captain Francisco Lazeano again discovered the island of Yap and named the island Caroline (after the king of Spain, Charles II). Later, this name was transferred to the entire archipelago, which was declared the possession of the Spanish crown. However, the discovery of its islands continued in subsequent years. The first Spanish Catholic missionaries, who arrived in 1710 on the Sonsorol Islands and in 1731 on the Ulithi Atoll, were killed by the islanders, and the Spanish abandoned their attempts to colonize the Carolines until the 1870s.

From the end of the 18th century the archipelago began to be visited by commercial and scientific British, French and even Russian ships. So, in 1828, the Russian navigator F.P. Litke discovered the islands of Ponape (Pohnpei), Ant and Pakin and named them in honor of Admiral D.N. Senyavin. Since 1830, American whalers have often come here. In the 1820s and 1830s, British sailors lived on Pohnpei, shipwrecked while carrying an English missionary on Kosrai. In 1852, American evangelists founded a Protestant mission on the Pohnpei and Kosrae islands. German and English traders began to penetrate the archipelago.

In 1869, Germany founded a trading station on Yap, which became the center of the German trading network in Micronesia and Samoa. In 1885, the German authorities announced their claims to the Caroline Islands, which Spain considered its own. Thanks to the mediation of the Pope, a German-Spanish treaty was concluded, recognizing the archipelago as Spanish possession, but giving German merchants the right to establish trading posts and plantations on them. Spanish soldiers and missionaries arrived on the islands, but they met fierce resistance on Pohnpei. The islanders rebelled and destroyed the plantations.

After the defeat in the war with the United States, Spain in 1898 agreed to cede the Caroline and Mariana Islands to Germany. From 1906 they were ruled from German New Guinea. The German colonial authorities introduced general labor service for adult islanders and began extensive road construction. In response, the people of Pohnpei rebelled and killed the governor of Beder. The uprising was crushed by the German fleet only in 1911. In the autumn of 1914, Micronesia was occupied by Japanese troops.

Japan officially received a League of Nations mandate to govern Micronesia only in 1921. It used the territory of the Caroline Islands for economic purposes (fishing, production of flour from cassava and alcohol from sugar cane), to create naval and air bases. In relation to the indigenous population, Japan pursued a policy of forced assimilation. Tens of thousands of Japanese were resettled on the islands, who were given the best lands. There were Japanese settlements. Traces of Japanese domination are preserved in the appearance of the Carolinians, in their language and names.

Since 1944, bloody battles began on the islands between American and Japanese troops. By 1945, Japanese forces were expelled from Micronesia, the archipelago came under the control of the US military authorities, and in 1947 the Caroline Islands (together with the Marianas and Marshalls) became a United Nations trust territory administered by the United States - the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (PTTO). In 1947-1951, the territory was under the jurisdiction of the US Department of the Navy, then it was transferred to the control of the civil administration of the US Department of the Interior. In 1962, administrative bodies were transferred from the island of Guam to the island of Saipan (Marian Islands). The Council of Micronesia was created in 1961, but all power remained in the hands of the American High Commissioner. In 1965, the first elections to the Congress of Micronesia were held. In 1967, Congress created the Commission on the Future Political Status, which recommended seeking independence or establishing "free association" relations with the United States with full internal self-government. Since 1969, negotiations have been held between representatives of the Congress of Micronesia and the United States.

On July 12, 1978, the population of the districts of Truk (Chuuk), Ponape (Pohnpei), Yap and Kusaiye (Kosrae) voted in a referendum for the creation of the Federated States of Micronesia. The Marianas, Marshall Islands and Palau refused to enter the new state. On May 10, 1979, the FSM Constitution was adopted, and in the autumn the first elections were held for the National Congress, as well as for the governors of four states. The former president of the Congress of Micronesia, Toshivo Nakayama, took office in January 1980.

During 1979–1986, the United States consistently transferred administrative functions to the new head of state and government. FSM foreign policy and defense issues remained the prerogative of the United States. In 1983, the population in a referendum approved the status of "free association" with the United States. On November 3, 1985, the PTTO was officially dissolved and the US Trusteeship regime ended. On December 22, 1990, the UN Security Council approved the abolition of guardianship and the FSM became officially an independent state.

Micronesia in the late 20th - early 21st century

In 1991, President of Micronesia John Haglelgam (1987-1991), who lost the parliamentary elections, resigned as head of state. Bailey Olter (Pohnpei State) held the presidency from 1991-1996, Jacob Nena (Kosrae State) from 1996-1999, Leo Ami Falkam from 1999-2003, and Joseph John Urusemal from 2003. A draft constitutional amendment providing for the direct election of the president and vice president was rejected.

The country's main problems remain high unemployment, declining fish catches and a high degree of dependence on US aid.

There are many amazing countries in the world. Some of them you hear about often, and some of them rarely come into the view of most people. Of course, you need to constantly improve your level of knowledge, get acquainted with other states and cultures. This article will focus on such a wonderful country as the Federated States of Micronesia. Indeed, this state is not so often heard, which is why it is worth talking about it in detail. This country is unique in many respects, when tourists come there, they are often amazed at how different it is from other parts of the world. Now it’s worth moving on to a detailed story about this state, its history, population, culture and many other interesting things.

A little about the country itself

So, first you need to consider the basic information about this country. The Federated States of Micronesia is a state located on the Caroline Islands, which, in turn, are located near New Guinea. You can also say that it is located in Oceania. Of course, it is considered that this is an independent state. It has had this status for quite a long time, since 1986. However, despite this, in fact, the country is heavily dependent on US economic assistance. A special agreement was concluded between these two states, according to which America undertakes to support the financial system of the Federated States of Micronesia, and also, if necessary, to ensure their defense.

A few words should also be said about the part of the world where Micronesia is located, that is, about Oceania. You can hear this word quite often, but it is not always clear what it means. Oceania is a very unusual region that consists of a large number of different islands. It is located in the Pacific Ocean. This territory plays an important geopolitical role, and it is also often distinguished as a separate geographical object.

How and at what time was it born

Now it is worth moving on to the story of the history of the country. It is incredibly interesting because it is rich in various events. According to many sources, it is believed that the first inhabitants appeared here as early as the 2nd millennium BC. e. On this basis, we can say that the Federated States of Micronesia is indeed an ancient country. Even some monuments of that time have been preserved, for example, the ruins of ancient Nan Madol, which appeared in ancient times.

Federated States of Micronesia: history of the country

After a long time, colonization took place. At the time, this was completely unsurprising. At the moment when the process of colonization began, the local society was still only at the stage of the primitive system, where communities existed.

The islands on which the state is located were discovered in 1527. They were discovered by Spanish sailors. After some time, the Spaniards declared that the Caroline Islands were in their possession, although in fact at that time control over the territory was not established. After quite a long time, Germany became interested in them. In 1885, she claimed her rights to this state. However, Spain opposed such actions and declared this to arbitration, as a result of which the islands were left to Spain. It would seem that the situation was resolved. But this is not entirely true, since Germany expressed a desire to acquire the islands from Spain. In 1899, such a deal was made.

During the First World War, the islands changed hands as they were captured by Japan. At that time, they were used to create sugar plantations. During the Second World War, these territories passed to the United States. And already in 1986, as mentioned above, the country received the status of free, but is actually dependent on the United States.

Federated States of Micronesia: population details

Now it is worth talking about the population of this state. Of course, as a result of colonization and constant change of ownership by different countries, the FSM have a very unusual population composition. So, if we talk about the entire population, it is more than 102 thousand people. Such statistics exist for 2010, when the census was conducted in the country. Due to the low standard of living, there is a fairly large outflow of people, so the level of emigration is also quite high. However, despite this, the average life expectancy of the population here is quite high - 73 years for women and 69 years for men. The ethnic composition here is very diverse and is represented by various nationalities. The largest proportion is the indigenous population of the island, called "chuuk". It is slightly less than 50% of the total population. The rest of the population is represented by other peoples, for example, Ponape.

Interestingly, the official language of this country is English. It is also used for communication between different nationalities. In addition, there are several more languages ​​for communication between local residents. Basically, the population of this country is literate (about 90%).

What peoples live on the territory of the state

Speaking about the population of the country, it is necessary to say separately a few words about its ethnic composition. So, as already mentioned, the nationality called Chuuk prevails in the country. Sometimes you can also hear another name for this people - Truk. This is the indigenous population of the islands, which appeared here in time immemorial. Representatives of this people now number no more than 50 thousand people. They have their own language, which has the same name "truk". Their main religion is Christianity, but some traditional directions of faith are still preserved.

Another nation that makes up a significant proportion of the country's population (about 25%) is Ponape. This is the ancient people of Micronesia, who have long lived on the island of the same name. Its number is only 28 thousand people. Religious views are mainly Catholicism and Protestantism, however, like the Truk people, traditional cults are preserved. Other nationalities also live here, but they are represented by a much smaller number of people.

So, a small overview of the peoples that inhabit the Federated States of Micronesia was given. A detailed description of these peoples is necessary in order to better understand the history and culture of this country.

A country's economy

Now that a lot of information about this wonderful country has already been considered, it is worth moving on to considering the economy. Many are interested in what kind of manufacturing activities are engaged in and what the Federated States of Micronesia produces. You can hear about the country that it is mainly a producer of agricultural products.

This is true, the economic activity of Micronesia is represented for the most part by the production of agricultural products and fishing. Thanks to the climate, many different plants can be grown here, such as coconut palms, vegetables and fruits of various types and varieties, and much more. Animal husbandry is also popular, most often pigs, goats and chickens are bred.

The Federated States of Micronesia also have their own industry. Basically, there are enterprises for the processing of agricultural products, factories for the production of soap and woodworking industries.

What is the climate like in the Federated States of Micronesia?

It is also worth paying a little attention to local climatic conditions. In these places, nature and weather can greatly please. The country lies in the equatorial and subequatorial climate zones. The temperature here is mainly kept at the level of 26 °C to 33 °C. The Federated States of Micronesia can boast of good weather most of the year. Photos of the wonderful nature of this country can be found in guidebooks and other materials, in particular in this article. It is especially interesting that this part of the ocean is considered the place where large typhoons are born. Basically, their season lasts from August to December.

The flora here is quite diverse, most often you can see coconut palms. Basically, tropical forests and savannahs predominate here.

Landmarks of the country

One of the main attractions of this country is Nan Madol. These are truly interesting ruins of an ancient city that existed in time immemorial. It was located on a large area, which included more than 90 islands. They were interconnected by a whole system of various channels.

Many cultural monuments, in addition to the ancient city, can boast of the Federated States of Micronesia. The capital, Palikir, is also very interesting in terms of history. Here you can get acquainted with the culture and sights of this ancient country.

general information

The largest islands of Micronesia are of volcanic origin (height up to 791 m), surrounded by coral reefs. The climate is equatorial and subequatorial. Precipitation falls from 2250 mm to 3000-4500 and 6000 mm (in the mountains on the island of Kusape) per year. The part of the Pacific Ocean where Micronesia is located is the area where typhoons originate (on average there are 25 typhoons per year). The islands are covered with evergreen tropical forests and savannahs; the coral islands are dominated by coconut palm and pandanus.

Since the seventeenth century, the Caroline Islands have belonged to Spain. In 1898 Spain sold them to Germany. In 1914, the islands were captured by Japan, and during the Second World War, they were occupied by US troops, who began to manage them under a UN mandate. In 1978, the Caroline Islands received the status of a "territory freely associated with the United States." In 1979, the constitution of the Federated States of Micronesia was adopted.

The basis of the Micronesian economy is fishing, copra production, and vegetable growing. Cattle, pigs, goats are bred on the islands. To develop its fishing zone, Micronesia cooperates with the USA, Australia, Japan, and South Korea. Every year 25,000 tourists visit Micronesia, mainly from Australia and Japan. The length of paved roads is 226 km. Half of the export consists of copra, pepper, fish, handicrafts, coconut oil are also exported. The main foreign trade partners are the USA and Japan. Micronesia receives significant cash subsidies from the United States and uses the US dollar as its currency.

culture

The traditional culture of the population of the Federated States of Micronesia is pan-Micronesian (with the exception of the culture of the two Polynesian atolls of Nukuoro and Kapingamaranga). However, it has undergone significant changes over several centuries of foreign domination. But even at present, on many islands, there are houses of local pillar construction without walls, the function of which is performed by gable roofs that reach to the ground, covered with palm leaves or mats. Micronesians still master the art of making wooden boats without a single metal nail. Leaders play a significant role in the public life of the FSM. Perhaps the culture of the Yap people remained the most conservative (folklore, dances, houses on stone foundations under palm leaves, loincloths for men and puffy skirts made of vegetable fibers for women).

Intensive contacts in recent decades with the Western world have changed the mentality of the young generation of citizens of Micronesia, who are no longer guided by traditional values, but seek to join the achievements of Western civilization.

Story

The ancestors of the Micronesians settled the Caroline Islands more than 4 thousand years ago. Over the centuries, two social groups have developed in Micronesian society - "noble" and "simple"; the former did not engage in physical labor and differed from the latter in special tattoos and decorations. At the head of the territorial associations were leaders (tomol), but their power was not the same on different islands. On about. Temen (Pohnpei state) discovered the remains of an ancient civilization - the stone city of Nan Madol. It consisted of monumental structures erected on reefs - platforms built of coral rubble and lined with basalt slabs. Residential and temple complexes were erected on the platforms, the dead were buried and various rituals were performed. According to legends, the city was the center of the vast Saudeler power and was destroyed by the conquerors, after which Pohnpei broke up into five territorial entities. Similar monuments have been found on about. Lelu (Kosrae State). On the island of Yap in later times, apparently, there was a centralized state formation, which had economic and religious functions. Tribute was collected from conquered tribes. The first Europeans found on Yap one- and two-tier platforms with temples and men's houses, as well as original money in the form of large stone disks with a hole in the center.

The Caroline Islands were discovered by European navigators in the 16th and 17th centuries. In 1526, di Menezighi discovered the Yap Islands, and in 1528, Alvaro Saavedra first saw the Truk Islands (modern Chuuk). In 1685, Captain Francisco Lazeano again discovered the island of Yap and named the island Caroline (after the king of Spain, Charles II). Later, this name was transferred to the entire archipelago, which was declared the possession of the Spanish crown. However, the discovery of its islands continued in subsequent years. The first Spanish Catholic missionaries, who arrived in 1710 on the Sonsorol Islands and in 1731 on the Ulithi Atoll, were killed by the islanders, and the Spanish abandoned their attempts to colonize the Caroline Islands until the 1870s.

From the end of the 18th century the archipelago began to be visited by commercial and scientific British, French and even Russian ships. So, in 1828, the Russian navigator F.P. Litke discovered the islands of Ponape (Pohnpei), Ant and Pakin and named them in honor of Admiral D.N. Senyavin. Since 1830, American whalers have often come here. In the 1820s and 1830s, British sailors lived on Pohnpei, shipwrecked while carrying an English missionary on Kosrai. In 1852, American evangelicals founded a Protestant mission on Pohnpei and Kosrae. German and English traders began to penetrate the archipelago.

In 1869, Germany founded a trading station on Yap, which became the center of the German trading network in Micronesia and Samoa. In 1885, the German authorities announced their claims to the Caroline Islands, which Spain considered its own. Thanks to the mediation of the Pope, a German-Spanish treaty was concluded, recognizing the archipelago as Spanish possession, but giving German merchants the right to establish trading posts and plantations on them. Spanish soldiers and missionaries arrived on the islands, but they met fierce resistance on Pohnpei. The islanders rebelled and destroyed the plantations.

After the defeat in the war with the United States, Spain in 1898 agreed to cede the Caroline and Mariana Islands to Germany. From 1906 they were administered from German New Guinea. The German colonial authorities introduced general labor service for adult islanders and began extensive road construction. In response, the people of Pohnpei rebelled and killed the governor of Beder. The uprising was suppressed by the German fleet only in 1911. In the autumn of 1914, Micronesia was occupied by Japanese troops.

Japan officially received the mandate of the League of Nations to govern Micronesia only in 1921. It used the territory of the Caroline Islands for economic purposes (fishing, production of flour from cassava and alcohol from sugar cane), to create naval and air bases. In relation to the indigenous population, Japan pursued a policy of forced assimilation. Tens of thousands of Japanese were resettled on the islands, who were given the best lands. There were Japanese settlements. Traces of Japanese domination are preserved in the appearance of the Carolinians, in their language and names.

Since 1944, bloody battles have begun on the islands between American and Japanese troops. By 1945, Japanese forces were expelled from Micronesia, the archipelago came under the control of the US military authorities, and in 1947 the Caroline Islands (together with the Marianas and Marshalls) became a United Nations Trust Territory administered by the United States - the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (PTTO). In 1947–1951 the territory was administered by the US Department of the Navy, then was transferred to the control of the civil administration of the US Department of the Interior. In 1962, the administrative bodies were transferred from the island of Guam to the island of Saipan (Marian Islands). In 1961, the Council of Micronesia was created, but all power remained in the hands of the American High Commissioner. In 1965, the first elections to the Congress of Micronesia were held. In 1967, Congress created the Future Political Status Commission, which recommended seeking independence or establishing "free association" relations with the United States under full internal self-government. Since 1969, negotiations have been held between representatives of the Congress of Micronesia and the United States.

On July 12, 1978, the people of Truk (Chuuk), Ponape (Pohnpei), Yap and Kusaiye (Kosrae) counties voted in a referendum to establish the Federated States of Micronesia. The Marianas, Marshall Islands and Palau refused to enter the new state. On May 10, 1979, the FSM Constitution was adopted, and in the autumn the first elections were held for the National Congress, as well as for the governors of four states. The former President of the Congress of Micronesia, Toshivo Nakayama, took office in January 1980.

During 1979-1986. The United States consistently transferred administrative functions to the new head of state and government. FSM foreign policy and defense issues remained the prerogative of the United States. In 1983, the population in a referendum approved the status of "free association" with the United States. On November 3, 1985, the PTTO was officially dissolved and the US Trusteeship regime ended. On December 22, 1990, the UN Security Council approved the abolition of guardianship and the FSM became officially an independent state.

In 1991, President of Micronesia John Haglelgam (1987-1991), who lost the parliamentary elections, resigned as head of state. In 1991–1996 the presidency was held by Bailey Alter (Pohnpei State), in 1996-1999. - Jacob Nena (Kosrae State), 1999-2003 – Leo Ami Falkam, and since 2003 – Joseph John Urusemal. A draft constitutional amendment providing for the direct election of the president and vice president was rejected.

The country's main problems remain high unemployment, declining fish catches and a high degree of dependence on US aid.

Federated States of Micronesia. The capital is Palikir. Population - 109 thousand people (1996). Area - 700.8 sq. km. The highest point is Mount Nana Laud (on the island of Pohnpei, height 798 m). Main languages: English (official), Japanese, Truk, Pohnpei, Kosrae. The main religion is Christianity (Catholicism, Protestantism). Administrative-territorial division - four states. Monetary unit - US dollar. National holidays: same as in USA; own - Constitution Day - May 10, Micronesia Day - July 12, United Nations Day - October 25.

Flag of the Federated States of Micronesia

On the map of Oceania

POPULATION
109 thousand people live on the FSM islands. About half of the population lives on the islands of the state of Chuuk - 52.3 thousand people, in the state of Pohnpei - 33.7 thousand, Yap - 11.2 thousand, Kosrae - 7.3 thousand (in the latter state, the average age does not exceed 20 years). The accession of the FSM to the agreement on "free association" with the US allows the citizens of the country to freely choose their place of residence within the US. At the present time in the USA (on the island of Guam, the Hawaiian Islands and on the mainland) approx. 15 thousand FSM citizens.
The average population density in the country in 1994 (data from the last census) was 150 people per 1 sq. km. km (in the state of Chuuk - 420, Pohnpei - 98, Yap - 94, Kosrae - 66). As a rule, it is higher on volcanic islands (the exception is Nama Atoll with an area of ​​0.7 sq. km, where 1020 people live). The birth rate in FSM in 1994 was more than 20 per 1000 inhabitants (average female fertility 4.7, in the state of Yap - 3.7, Chuuk - 5.6, Pohnpei - 4.4, Kosrae - 4.2), mortality - 3, 4 per 1000. Infant mortality - 46 per 1000 newborns. Life expectancy 62.5 years.
The average life expectancy is 69.13 years. Population growth in 2003 was 0.04%. The birth rate reaches 26.47 per 1000 inhabitants, the death rate is 5.1 per 1000. The emigration rate is 20.98 per 1000. Infant mortality is 32.39 per 1000 newborns.
The "free association" agreement with the United States allows citizens of the country to freely choose their place of residence within the United States. At the present time in the USA (on the island of Guam, the Hawaiian Islands and on the mainland) approx. 15 thousand FSM citizens.
The ancestors of the modern inhabitants of the Caroline Islands come from Southeast Asia. In racial terms, they form a special group, formed as a result of a mixture of Australoid and Mongoloid elements. The atolls of Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi are inhabited by Polynesians. In ethnic terms, 9 groups are distinguished.

Ethnogenesis and occupations of the population.
The ancestors of the modern inhabitants of the Caroline Islands come from Southeast Asia. According to the latest theories, Micronesia was settled in two ways - through the islands of the Malay Archipelago, and possibly the Japanese Islands, and also through Vanuatu (former New Hebrides). The inhabitants of the Caroline Islands, like all Micronesians, racially form a special group, formed as a result of a mixture of Australoid and Mongoloid elements. They are characterized by rather dark skin, wavy, straight and curly hair, and medium height. In the appearance of some Carolinians, there are also Japanese, Chinese and European features. The atolls of Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi are inhabited by Polynesians.
The traditional occupations of the local population are fishing and farming. Small areas of the forest cleared from the forest are used for the cultivation of coconut palm, breadfruit, pandanus, yams, sweet potatoes, cassava, bananas, taro, sugar cane. Currently, citrus fruits, various fruits (pineapples, papaya, mangoes, etc.), chocolate tree, pepper (black and betel) are also grown. The population is also engaged in fishing and collecting shellfish and crustaceans on the reef. In recent years, employment in the tourism business (hotels, restaurants, agencies) and airports has been growing. In the cities, Carolinians work as petty employees and are engaged in handicrafts, in particular, the manufacture of souvenirs.

Language and writing. The official language of the FSM is English, which is also the language of interethnic communication. The languages ​​of the indigenous population of the archipelago belong to the East Oceanian group of the Oceanian branch of the Austronesian family - Yap, Woleai, Uliti and Sonsorol, Caroline, Truk, Kosrae, Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi. The last two belong to the Polynesian languages. The writing of local languages ​​is based on the Latin script. English is taught in all schools. Many older people speak Japanese.

Confessional composition. The overwhelming majority of the population professes Christianity, and there are approximately equal numbers of Catholics and Protestants. Protestants predominate in some states (over 98% in Kosrai), in others - Catholics (Chuuk state). Less than 1% of the population adheres to local traditional beliefs.

POLITICAL SYSTEM
The FSM is a federal state headed by a president, in a "free association" relationship with the United States. The President and Vice-President of the country are elected by the members of the FSM National Congress from among their members, but the latter cannot be from the same state as the President. The people of the states elect the governor and the local legislature. The legislative unicameral body of the country - the National Congress - consists of 14 deputies. Four of them (one from each state) are elected by the population every four years, the remaining 10 deputies - for a two-year term (in proportion to the number of residents of the states (Chuuk - 5, Pohnpei - 3, Yap and Kosrae - one deputy each). According to the election results 1999 Leo A. Falk becomes President and Redley Keelion Vice President President appoints Cabinet No political parties in FSM FSM military protection is provided by the United States
FSM is a member of the UN (since 1991), as well as a number of regional organizations, such as the Pacific Forum.

Formalities and rules for entering Micronesia
Visas to Micronesia
For tourist trips to Micronesia for up to 30 days, a visa is not required. It is worth noting that the 30-day period begins to count down again every time a tourist moves to another island group. When crossing the border, you must present a passport, the validity of which is at least 120 days from the end of the trip.

Customs regulations in Micronesia
The import of food products that have not passed special sanitary and hygienic control is prohibited. Fruits, vegetables, wood products, plants and seeds are subject to screening. The export of samples of plants and animals under state protection, eggs and stuffed birds, as well as products made from leather, bone, bird feathers, shells and corals is prohibited.

ECONOMY
Gross domestic product (GDP) in 1989 was the highest in the history of the FSM and was estimated at $145 million, or $1,465 per capita (ranging from $2,107 in Yap to $1,056 in Chuuk). Since then, there has been a steady decline in this figure.
Agriculture is the most important sector of the economy, providing 60% of the food needed by the country and employment for almost 50% of the working population all year round, or at least during agricultural work. The country is dominated by a traditional economy of a semi-subsistence type, where manual labor is mainly used. They grow coconut palm, breadfruit, pandanus, yams, sweet potato, cassava, bananas, taro, citrus fruits, papaya, mango, chocolate tree, pepper (black and betel), and other crops. In addition, goats, sheep and buffalo are bred on Pohnpei. Some agricultural products are exported, mainly coconut products. Its shell is used by the population as fuel. In Yap, brooms, brushes, ropes and mats are made from the fibers of the coconut shell. The coconut palm forms the basis of life for the islanders. In traditional life, coconut palm leaves were used for roofing, weaving mats, baskets, fans, and the nut kernel was used as a valuable food product.
Citrus fruits are grown on Kosrai, bananas, vegetables, fruits, betel pepper - on Yap Island. Cultivation of black pepper on Pohnpei Island acquires a plantation character (40 hectares of land are allocated for it). On the islands of Chuuk, Pohnpei and Yap, the chocolate tree is cultivated.
In recent years, the role of fisheries in the country's economy has increased, since the ocean resources within the marine economic zone (2.6 million sq. km) are the property of the FSM. Licensed fishing in FSM waters is carried out by Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Mexico and the USA. The approximate market value of tuna fished annually is approx. $200 million
The Micronesian Maritime Authority and the National Fisheries Corporation have been established to regulate the protection and exploitation of marine resources within the FSM Maritime Economic Zone, support the development of marine fisheries and prioritize domestic fisheries. The Micronesian Maritime Academy operates on Yap, which trains personnel for the development of fisheries.
FSM develops foreign tourism. Every year the country is visited by approx. 25 thousand tourists, mainly from Australia and Japan. The main export items are copra (more than 50% of export value), pepper (black and betel), fish (mainly tuna), trochus shells, coconut derivatives (edible and cosmetic oils, soaps, creams), local handicrafts. Export revenues amount to 13-15 million dollars per year. FSM imports up to 40% of food products, manufactured goods, cars and other machines, oil products. FSM foreign trade is characterized by a significant predominance of imports over exports.
The FSM budget consists of taxes, exports of agricultural products, seafood, licensing of tuna fishing by foreign countries in the FSM maritime economic zone. The FSM's main trading partner is the USA. In addition, the "free association" pact with the US provided a financial aid package that helped the FSM advance in the economy and ensured the sustainability of democracy in the country. On November 3, 1996, the last five-year US bailout agreement was signed. According to it, the amount of assistance in 1996-2001 was reduced to 40 million dollars a year (in 1986 - 60 million dollars, in 1991-1996 - 51 million dollars). Other donor countries (Japan, China, Australia) also have FSM assistance programs, but it is much less than US investments.

SOCIETY AND CULTURE
Education. According to the FSM constitution, education is financed from the central and regional budgets. Primary and secondary schools are owned by the state and religious missions. State governments provide primary education and teacher training, while central governments support and coordinate education at all levels. Young people receive vocational education at the Micronesian College in Palikir (opened in 1972, it has faculties of business, pedagogy, applied arts, etc.), the Micronesian vocational center on the island of Kosrai, at the schools of agriculture and trade on Pohnpei, the Javier Higher School on Chuuk, and also in US educational institutions (on the mainland, Guam and the Hawaiian Islands).
Healthcare. Medical assistance to the population is carried out in full by state medical institutions. True, in recent years, a private dental and medical practice has appeared on Pohnpei Island. The FSM government recruits doctors for the Public Health Program through the US National Health Service and the United Nations Development Program. It also runs various health, nutrition and sanitation programs from the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations International Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the South Pacific Commission (STC). There are hospitals in every state, several dispensaries and more than 100 dispensaries operate in the country. In difficult cases, patients are sent to hospitals on the island of Guam and the Hawaiian Islands.
Culture. The traditional culture of the FSM population is pan-Micronesian (with the exception of the culture of the two Polynesian atolls of Nukuoro and Kapingamaranga). However, it has undergone significant changes over several centuries of foreign domination. But even at present, on many islands, there are houses of local pillar construction without walls, the function of which is performed by gable roofs that reach to the ground, covered with palm leaves or mats. Micronesians still master the art of making wooden boats without a single metal nail. Leaders play a significant role in the public life of the FSM. Perhaps the culture of the Yap people remained the most conservative (folklore, dances, houses on stone foundations under palm leaves, loincloths for men and puffy skirts made of vegetable fibers for women).
Intensive contacts in recent decades with the Western world have changed the mentality of the young generation of FSM citizens, who are no longer guided by traditional values, but strive to join the achievements of Western civilization.

Travel tips and advice for Micronesia
Tips and prices
Tips range from 10% to 15% in Pohnpei, but despite American influence, they are almost non-existent elsewhere in the country. Most goods are sold at fixed prices, although there are several markets where you can bargain.
Communications and communications in Micronesia
Internet
There is information about the availability of a provider providing Internet access. According to the latest data, the situation with obtaining access can be clarified by e-mail:[email protected] .
cellular
The local operator FSM Telecommunications Corporation operates in the GSM 900 band. Roaming is not yet available to subscribers of Russian operators. Thuraya satellite communications operate in this area.