2022 population pyramid

Introduction

Background

The Caroline Islands are a widely scattered archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean. They became part of a UN Trust Territory under US administration following World War II. The eastern four island groups adopted a constitution in 1979 and chose to become the Federated States of Micronesia in free association with the US. Eligible Micronesians can live, work, and study in any part of the US and its territories without a visa.

Geography

Area

total: 702 sq km

land: 702 sq km

water: 0 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

Natural resources

timber, marine products, deep-seabed minerals, phosphate

People and Society

Population

101,009 (2022 est.)

Ethnic groups

Chuukese/Mortlockese 49.3%, Pohnpeian 29.8%, Kosraean 6.3%, Yapese 5.7%, Yap outer islanders 5.1%, Polynesian 1.6%, Asian 1.4%, other 0.8% (2010 est.)

Languages

English (official and common language), Chuukese, Kosrean, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi

Religions

Roman Catholic 54.7%, Protestant 41.1% (includes Congregational 38.5%, Baptist 1.1%, Seventh Day Adventist 0.8%, Assembly of God 0.7%), Church of Jesus Christ 1.5%, other 1.9%, none 0.7%, unspecified 0.1% (2010 est.)

Population growth rate

-0.67% (2022 est.)

Government

Government type

federal republic in free association with the US

Capital

name: Palikir

Executive branch

chief of state: President David W. PANUELO (since 11 May 2019); Vice President Yosiwo P. GEORGE (since 11 May 2015); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: President David W. PANUELO (since 11 May 2019); Vice President Yosiwo P. GEORGE (since 11 May 2015)

Legislative branch

description: unicameral Congress (14 seats; 10 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 2-year terms and 4 at- large members directly elected from each of the 4 states by proportional representation vote to serve 4-year terms)

Economy

Economic overview

lower middle-income Pacific island economy; US aid reliance, sunsetting in 2024; low entrepreneurship; mostly fishing and farming; US dollar user; no patent laws; tourism remains underdeveloped; significant corruption

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)

$390 million (2019 est.)

Real GDP per capita

$3,500 (2019 est.)

Agricultural products

coconuts, cassava, vegetables, sweet potatoes, bananas, pork, plantains, fruit, eggs, beef

Industries

tourism, construction; specialized aquaculture, craft items (shell and wood)

Exports

$88.3 million (2013 est.)

Exports - partners

Thailand 73%, Japan 10%, China 9% (2019)

Exports - commodities

fish and fish products, coral/shells, scrap metals, mollusks, office machinery/parts (2019)

Imports

$167.8 million (2015 est.)

Imports - partners

United States 32%, China 16%, Japan 14%, Taiwan 9%, Philippines 6%, South Korea 6% (2019)

Imports - commodities

poultry meats, netting, broadcasting equipment, various meats, fish products (2019)


Page last updated: Wednesday, May 11, 2022