Federated States of Micronesia
constitutional government in free associationIndependence 3 November 1986 (from the US-administered UN
Federated States of Micronesia as the 1996 edition of the CIA World Factbook published it: 83 fields, one of 36 editions from 1990 to 2025.
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Geography
Oceania, island group in the North Pacific Ocean, about | three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Indonesia
15 fieldsLocation
Oceania, island group in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Indonesia
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
- lowest point:
- Pacific Ocean 0 m
- highest point:
- Totolom 791 m
Environment
- current issues:
- NA
- natural hazards:
- typhoons (June to December)
- international agreements:
- party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection
People
15 fieldsPer 1,000 population(1996 est.)
Male · female(1996 est.)
Sex ratio
- at birth:
- NA male(s)/female
- under 15 years:
- NA male(s)/female
- 15-64 years:
- NA male(s)/female
- 65 years and over:
- NA male(s)/female
- all ages:
- NA male(s)/female
Government
Constitutional government in free association
21 fieldsLegislature, 14 seatsone dot, one seat
Name of country
- conventional long form:
- Federated States of Micronesia
- conventional short form:
- none
- former:
- Kosrae, Ponape, Truk, and Yap Districts (Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands)
- abbreviation:
- FSM
Type of government
constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 3 November 1986
Capital
Kolonia (on the island of Pohnpei) note: a new capital is being built about 10 km southwest in the Palikir valley
Legal system
based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws
Executive branch
- chief of state and head of government:
- President Bailey OLTER (since 21 May 1991) and Vice President Jacob NENA (since 21 May 1991) were elected by the Congress from among the four Senators-at-Large;
- election last held 11 May 1995 (next to be held NA May 1999);
- results - Bailey OLTER reelected to a second term as president;
- Jacob NENA reelected to a second term as vice president
- cabinet:
- Cabinet
Congress
- elections last held 7 March 1995 (next to be held NA March 1999);
- results - percent of vote NA;
- seats - (14 total) independents 14
International organization participation
AsDB, ESCAP, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFC, IMF, Intelsat, ITU, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, WHO, WMO
Diplomatic representation in US
- chief of mission:
- Ambassador Jesse B. MAREHALAU
- chancery:
- 1725 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
- telephone:
- [1] (202) 223-4383
US diplomatic representation
- chief of mission:
- Ambassador March Fong EU
- embassy:
- address NA, Kolonia
- mailing address:
- P. O. Box 1286, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia 96941
- telephone:
- [691] 320-2187
Flag
light blue with four white five-pointed stars centered; the stars are arranged in a diamond pattern
Economy
Economic activity consists primarily of | subsistence farming and fishing.
20 fieldsInstalled generating capacity, 18,000 kW
Economic overview
Economic activity consists primarily of subsistence farming and fishing. The islands have few mineral deposits worth exploiting, except for high-grade phosphate. The potential for a tourist industry exists, but the remoteness of the location and a lack of adequate facilities hinder development.
Financial assistance from the US is the primary source of revenue, with the US pledged to spend $1 billion in the islands in the 1990s. Geographical isolation and a poorly developed infrastructure are major impediments to long-term growth.
GDP
purchasing power parity - $205 million (1994 est.) note: GDP is supplemented by grant aid, averaging perhaps $100 million annually
Agriculture
black pepper, tropical fruits and vegetables, coconuts, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes; pigs, chickens
Exports
$29.1 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.)
- commodities:
- fish, garments, bananas, black pepper
- partners:
- Japan, US, Guam
Imports
$141.1 million (c.i.f., 1994 est.)
- commodities:
- food, manufactured goods, machinery and equipment, beverages
- partners:
- US, Japan, Australia
Economic aid
recipient: under terms of the Compact of Free Association, the US will provide $1.3 billion in grant aid during the period 1986-2001
Transportation
5 fieldsAirports by runway lengthpaved left, unpaved right · 5 in all
Networkskm
Communications
7 fieldsTelephone system
- domestic:
- islands interconnected by shortwave radiotelephone (used mostly for government purposes)
- international:
- satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)
Cite this entry
Central Intelligence Agency. “Micronesia, Federated States of.” The World Factbook 1996. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/micronesia/1996.