Official name: Federated States of Micronesia
Capital city: Palikir
Internet country code: .fm
Flag description: Light blue with four white five-pointed stars centered; the stars are arranged in a diamond pattern
National anthem: “Tis here we are pledging with heart and with hands” (first line)
Geographical description: Oceania, island group in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Indonesia
Total area: 270 sq. mi. (702 sq. km.)
Climate: Tropical; heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern islands; located on southern edge of the typhoon belt with occasionally severe damage
Nationality: noun: Micronesian(s); adjective: Micronesian; Chuukese, Kosraen(s), Pohnpeian(s), Yapese
Population: 107,862 (July 2007 CIA est.)
Ethnic groups: Chuukese 48.8%, Pohnpeian 24.2%, Kosraean 6.2%, Yapese 5.2%, Yap outer islands 4.5%, Asian 1.8%, Polynesian 1.5%, other 6.4%, unknown 1.4%
Languages spoken: English (official and common language), Trukese, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Kosrean, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi
Religions: Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 47%, other 3%
| Christmas Day | Dec 25 |
| FSM Day | May 10 |
| FSM Independence Day | Nov 3 |
| New Year's Day | Jan 1 |
| United Nation's Day | Oct 24 |
| Veterans' Day | Nov 11 |
groups of small islands in Oceania, in the western Pacific Ocean, mainly north of the equator, including the Mariana, Caroline, and Marshall island groups, which are trusteeships of the USA; the Gilbert Islands and Ocean Island, which are British possessions; and Nauru Island, which attained independence in 1968. There are about 1,500 islands in all.
Micronesia has a land area of 2,622 sq km and a population of more than 250,000 (1970), of whom 200,000 are Micronesians and the rest Americans, British, Filipinos, and Chinese. Most of the islands are coral atolls, and the others are volcanic in origin. The largest island, Guam, belongs to the USA. The Mariana Islands have active volcanoes. The climate is equatorial and subequatorial. Average monthly temperatures range from 26°C to 28°C. Precipitation is regular throughout the year and ranges from 2,000 mm to 6,000 mm on windward slopes. Tropical cyclones with winds of hurricane force often originate near the Caroline Islands.
The natural vegetation on the volcanic islands consists of savannas and tropical evergreen forests, now largely replaced by secondary thickets. Vegetation on the coral islands is not rich in species. There are no large mammals in Micronesia. The most common mammals are rats and bats; reptiles include crocodiles, snakes, and various kinds of lizards; and birds are chiefly aquatic species. The principal occupations of the indigenous population are fishing and fruit cultivation, chiefly coconuts, bananas, and citrus fruits. There are also sugarcane and rice plantations. The Carolines have deposits of phosphate and bauxite, and phosphate is also mined on Nauru and Ocean islands. Several islands have naval and air bases belonging to the USA and Great Britain.
L. A. MIKHAILOVA