The Federated States of Micronesia

The Federated States of Micronesia
(joined the UN on September 7th, 1991)

Introduction

The Federated States of Micronesia is a group of islands located in the Pacific Ocean. These islands were dettled by the ancestors of present day Micronesians more than 4,000 years ago. Since 1565 it has been affiliated with Spain, Germany, Japan, and the United Sates.1 Spain has claimed sovereignty over some of the island,2 which, at present, does not appear to be causing too much trouble. Whether or not this will be a problem is the future is anyone's guess.

Vital Statistics

Motto: "Peace, Unity, Liberty"3
Anthem: "Patriots of Micronesia"4
Capital: Palikir5
Official Language: English6

Geography7

The Federated States of Micronesia is composed of approximately 607 islands, covering about 271 sq. mi. These islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, and spread across the Carolina Islands archipelago, which is east of the Philippines. Micronesia is divided into four states or administrative districts.

States8

Yap whose capital is Colonia.
Chuuk whose capital is Weno.
Pohnpei whose capital is Kolonia.
Kosrae whose capital is Tofol.

Culture9

Each of the administrative divisions of Micronesia has their own cultural traditions. For instance, Yap is famous for Rai stones10, which are large calcite disk measuring up to 13 ft. These disk come in five categories (1) Mmbul, (2) Gaw, (3) Ray, (4) Yar, and (5) Reng11. The value of these stones, some of which came from other islands, is determined by both their history and their size.

Nan Madol, which is the Ceremonial Centre of Eastern Micronesia, is listed as a UNESCO12 World Heritage Site13. This site is in danger resulting from natural causes. As a result, The Federated States of Micronesia is attempting to restore and preserve this site. The reason Nan Madol, which is also known as the Venice of the Pacific, is so important is that it was the capital of the Saudeleur dynasty from AD 500 to 1500.14

Economy15

The Federated States of Micronesia has the potential of developing a tourist economy. as well as the mining of high-grade phosphate. However, these industries appear to be in its future. At present the main economy is subsistence fishing and farming. This beautiful country also depends on financial aid from the United States, with which it signed a Compact of Free Association in November of 198616.

Religion

Religious freedom is guaranteed by the Micronesia constitution, which was ratified in 1979.17 The major Christian religions are Roman Catholic and Protestant (which denomination unspecified) faith. The minority religions are Baptist, Jehovah's Witnesses, Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints, and Baha'i Faith, with approximately 1% of the population being Buddhist.18

Conclusion

The Federated States of Micronesia is a beautiful group of islands. The people are friendly, creative, and interesting. The most famous Micronesian is Emelihter Kihleng19 who published a collection of her poetry in 2008 called My Urohs20.

Word Count: 525

Footnotes
1  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federated_States_of_Micronesia#History
2  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federated_States_of_Micronesia#Disputed_sovereignt...
3  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federated_States_of_Micronesia
4  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriots_of_Micronesia
5  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federated_States_of_Micronesia
6  ibid.
7  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federated_States_of_Micronesia#Geography
8  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federated_States_of_Micronesia#Administrative_divi...
9  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federated_States_of_Micronesia#Culture
10  Stone money.
11  This type of Rai stone has a 12 in. diameter.
12  United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
13  A world heritage site is a place that the United Nations has designated as having significant value. Because it has cultural, scientific, or historical importance.
14  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federated_States_of_Micronesia#History
15  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federated_States_of_Micronesia#Economy
16  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federated_States_of_Micronesia#History
17  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federated_States_of_Micronesia#Politics
18  http://religion.wikia.com/wiki/Federated_States_of_Micronesia
19  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emelihter_Kihleng
20  A reference to the tradition dress of Pohnpeian women.