Introduction
Background
The Federated States of Micronesia 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
total: 99,603
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
-0.73% (2024 est.)
Government
Government type
federal republic in free association with the US
Capital
name: Palikir
Executive branch
chief of state: President Wesley W. SIMINA (since 12 May 2023)
head of government: President Wesley W. SIMINA (since 12 May 2023)
Legislative branch
summary: unicameral Congress (14 seats)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Jackson T. SORAM (since 27 February 2024)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Jennifer JOHNSON (since 13 September 2023)
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)
$437.922 million (2023 est.)
$434.514 million (2022 est.)
$437.922 million (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$3,800 (2023 est.)
$3,800 (2022 est.)
$3,900 (2021 est.)
Exports
$179 million (2021 est.)
$122 million (2020 est.)
$130 million (2019 est.)
Exports - partners
Thailand 78%, Philippines 12%, Japan 5%, Ecuador 2%, US 1% (2022)
Exports - commodities
fish, integrated circuits, garments, aircraft parts, broadcasting equipment (2022)
Imports
$126 million (2021 est.)
$133 million (2020 est.)
$121 million (2019 est.)
Imports - partners
US 37%, China 21%, Japan 10%, South Korea 8%, Taiwan 5% (2022)
Imports - commodities
plastic products, ships, poultry, refined petroleum, fish (2022)
Page last updated: Tuesday, September 03, 2024
