Micronesia

Federal States of Micronesia (FSM) 
Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk and Yap, are four island states of more than 600 tiny islands and atolls, stretching almost the entire width of Micronesia, 1,800 miles across the Pacific from east to west. Known as the Federated States of Micronesia, each speaks its own language with its own distinctive culture, traditions and history.  

None of the bright lights of Guam and Saipan are to be found here. A more traditional island lifestyle prevails, surrounded by the spectacular beauty of the islands and their seas. An integral part of Continental Micronesia's 'Island Hopper' route across Micronesia, the FSM attracts the more adventurous traveller, such as experienced sports divers, underwater photographers, hikers and backpackers.  

Both Kosrae and Pohnpei are situated far to the east of the group and share a similar climate and geography. They are high volcanic islands with cloud shrouded peaks, lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls and hidden mountain pools. 

They share the same pristine, fringing coral reefs, clear azure seas, mangroves and sandy beaches. The Lelu ruins reached its peak in the 12th century. Nan Madol, however, began construction as early as 500 AD and was toppled by the present day traditional government in the 1520's.  

Truk (Chuuck) is renowned for its dramatic wreck diving, which is recognised as the best of its kind in the world. Its vast lagoon, more than 30 miles across, was Japan's 'Pearl Harbour' and more than 100 ships and aircraft were sunk while sheltering here during the second World War. The warm, tropical water, prolific marine life and ocean currents have transformed these wrecks into breathtakingly beautiful coral gardens and artificial reefs, home to hundreds of marine animals and fish.

Yap has managed to let most of the modern world pass it by and practises Micronesia's most traditional lifestyle.

Some 200 miles from Palau, Yapese warriors sailed there in centuries past, despite great danger and hardship, to quarry the giant Yapese stone money. These large circular stones, carved symmetrically and holed in the centre for transportation, can be greater in diameter than a man's height. Most of the stone money is stored in a canal known as the money bank, though some still rests outside the thatched men's hut and family huts to denote wealth and status.  

Activities
What the Federated States of Micronesia lack in land they more than make up for in water. Some of the region's most spectacular scenery is underwater, and the traveller who never looks below the surface is missing out on some incredible sights. What's more, the balmy water temperature means you won't even need a wetsuit. Divers the world over know about Chuuk's underwater wreck museum; more than 60 Japanese ships, as well as numerous planes, were sunk here during WWII, and most are still as they were at the time they hit the bottom. There are also some shallower wrecks suitable for snorkellers. Diving off Yap is enlivened by its schools of manta rays.

There's not much space for walking in the country, but there's some decent hiking on Tofol, Kosrae. The hike to the top of Mt Finkol takes 8 to 10 hours, and is a strenuous climb through rivers and mud. When you get to the top you can see all three of Kosrae's islands. Pohnpei's jungle interior also makes for some pretty good treks.

Country Profile
  • Location: Oceania, island group in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Indonesia  
  • Area: 702 kmē land area: 702 kmē comparative area: slightly less than four times the size of Washington, DC Note: includes Pohnpei (Ponape), Truk (Chuuk), Yap, and Kosrae  
  • Land boundries: 0 km  
  • Coastline: 6,112 km  
  • Maritime Claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm  
  • International disputes: none  
  • Climate: tropical; heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern islands; located on southern edge of the typhoon belt with occasional severe damage  
  • Terrain: islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low, coral atolls; volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Truk
  • Natural resources: forests, marine products, deep-seabed minerals  
  • Irrigated land: NA kmē  
  • Land use arable land: NA% permanent crops: NA% meadows and pastures: NA% forest and woodland: NA% other: NA%  
  • Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: typhoons (June to December) international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea  

Note: four major island groups totaling 607 islands

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