Micronesia

Micronesia

Often referred to as 'Micronesia', the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is often assumed to be simply another island agglomeration, like the Northern Mariana Islands perhaps, with a shared cultural identity.

History
The islands, inhabited by Micronesian and Polynesian peoples, were colonized by Spain in the 17th century. Germany purchased them from Spain in 1898. They were occupied by the Japanese in 1914, but American forces seized them from the Japanese during World War II. On April 2, 1947, the United Nations Security Council created the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. The trust placed the Northern Mariana, Caroline, and Marshall Islands under the administration of the United States.

Geography
The Federated States of Micronesia is composed of the island states of Yap, Chuuk (Truk), Pohnpei (Ponape), and Kosrae, all in the Caroline Islands. The islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low coral atolls, with volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Chuuk. They are located 3,200 mi (5,150 km) west-southwest of Hawaii, in the north Pacific Ocean.
 

Government
Constitutional government in free association with the United States since Nov. 1986.

International Integration
The Micronesian Federation (FMA) became self-governing in 1979. In 1983, the FMA voted to accept a Compact of Free Association with the U.S., and in Nov. 1986, the U.S. government declared the Trust Territory agreements no longer in effect—thereby granting the Federated States of Micronesia full independence. In Nov. 2002 the compact was renewed for another 20 years.The FMA was admitted to the United Nations on Sept. 17, 1991. In July 1993, the country became a member of the International Monetary Fund.

Climactic Changes
Micronesia, as well as many other South Pacific countries, is alarmed by the effect continued global warming will have on its islands. The consequent rise in the level of the oceans threatens low-lying islands with flooding and, eventually, submergence.

In 2004, Yap was ravaged by Typhoon Sudel, and much of its infrastructure was destroyed.

Names of the popular tourist spots in Micronesia are mentioned below:
 

•     Diving Chuuk Lagoon
•     Pohnpei Cultural Center
•     Mt. Finkol, Kosrae
•     Stone Money of Yap
•     Ruins of Nan Madol, Pohnpei
•     Nanpil River, Pohnpei
•     Nan Madol
•     Wiya Bird Cave
•     Utwa-Walung Marine Park

Popular cities in Micronesia