Useful Notes / Federated States of Micronesia

Not the region, which includes not only this country, but also the other islands northeast of New Guinea (including Palau, Kiribati, Marshall Islands and Nauru). This article is only about the country.

The Federated States of Micronesia is made up of states, in this case four of them, each one made up by a lot of islands. The states are Chuuk, Yap, Kosrae and Pohnpei, the last two states being made up by an only island.

They were a special territory of The United States (to be more specific, Trust Territory), formed their own constitutional government in 1979, and were given independence in 1986. But before the Americans took over the place, it was a German colony occupied by Japan during World War I. Before the Germans, it was a Spanish colony. And even before them, it was a Portuguese colony.

The language of the country is English, but a lot of native languages are used at local levels. Not having a lot of minerals, the country subsists mainly on fishing and farming. Being so isolated from the world is a drawback when it comes to international trade.

The island of Yap is also known for having "stone money", huge rocks in the form of coins, as if a giant had lost some change there.

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The Micronesian flag

The sky blue field symbolizes the Pacific Ocean, while the four stars represent Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap, the four main islands of the nation, arranged like the points of a magnetic compass.

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The Micronesian national anthem

This here we are pledging,

With heart and with hand,

Full measure of devotion

To thee, our native land.

Now all join the chorus,

Let union abide.

Across all Micronesia

Join hands on every side.

We all work together,

With hearts, voice and hand,

Till we have made these islands

Another promised land.

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Government

• Federal assembly-independent republic under non-partisan democracy
  • President: Wesley Simina
  • Vice President: Aren Palik

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Miscellaneous

• Capital: Palikir
• Largest town: Weno
• Population: 104,468
• Area: 702 km² (271 sq mi) (177th)
• Currency: United States dollar ($) (USD)
• ISO-3166-1 Code: FM
• Country calling code: 691
• Highest point: Nanlaud (782 m/2,566 ft) (171st)
• Lowest point: Pacific Ocean (10,911 m/35,797 ft) (-)