Federated States of Micronesia in Brief


Location North Pacific Ocean between 1 degree south and 14 degrees North and between 135 and 166 degrees east.
Geography Number of Islands: 607
Land Area: 702 sq.km
Sea Area: 1.6 million sq.km
Population (2000 FSM Census of Population and Housing) Total population: 107,008
Male: 54,191
Female: 52,817
Urban: 23,571
Rural: 83,437
Pohnpei: 34,486
Chuuk: 53,595
Kosrae: 7,686
Yap: 11,241

Government The FSM became an independent nation in November of 1986 and entered into a long-term treaty called the Compact of Free Association with the United States. Constitutional government with unicameral Congress (14 seats), one from each state elected for a four-year term, and ten who serve two-year terms whose seats are apportioned by population. The President and Vice President are elected by the Congress. The administrative divisions are the four states: Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Yap.
Culture and Society Traditional extended family and matrilineal clan systems. Although a common country, the people from the 4 main islands make a culturally diverse population. The cultural diversity is typified by the existence of eight major indigenous languages.
Economy Currency is US dollar. The young population places extreme pressures on national and state budgets. Economic activity consists primarily of subsistence farming and fishing. The 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. (Nominal) GDP is US$244.7 million and per capita US$2,254 (2006 estimate). Balance of trade in 2004 was US$ -134,572 million. Annual rate of inflation 3.1% (June 07). Unemployment: 22% in 2000.