Micronesia is inhabited by Micronesians, only on the outskirts of the state - Kapingamarangi atoll - Polynesians prevail. The Micronesians were formed as a result of a mixture of representatives of the Australoid and Mongoloid races. They are of medium height, relatively dark, brownish, skin color, and hair can be wavy, straight or curly.
The population density is quite high - 155 people / km2. Age composition population indicates the youth of a significant part of the country's inhabitants: 37-60-3. The average life expectancy of the islanders is growing and is now about 70 years.
Micronesia has a high birth rate, reaching 25 people per 1000 inhabitants, and a very low mortality rate - 5 people per 1000 inhabitants. Nevertheless, the population of the country is decreasing somewhat. This is due to the negative migration balance of 21 people per 1000 inhabitants.
The difficult economic situation of Micronesia, rather high unemployment and limited opportunities for higher education are forcing local residents to leave the island. They are changing their exotic tranquility The Pacific to the hustle and bustle of the developed countries.
The population of Micronesia professes Christianity, 50% of the islanders consider themselves Catholics, 47% of the population consider themselves to be Protestants. About 1% of the population remains adherents of local traditional beliefs.
In the cities of Micronesia, 29% of Micronesians live. Capital Federated States Micronesia - Palikir - is located on the island of Pohnpei. For a long time, very few residents lived here, but after the US government financed the design and construction of the capital, the city's population has grown and now stands at 7 thousand people. Here the government and the National Congress of the state sit, a modern airport and sea port.
The main part of the city is made up of small two-story houses, the architecture of which is reminiscent of local traditions... It is noteworthy that they were built taking into account the direction of the trade winds and the incidence of sunlight.
state located in the western part of the Pacific Ocean. It has the status of a "freely associated" state with the United States. Former United Nations Trust Territory under US administration. The agreement on "free association" with the United States was signed in October 1982, entered into force on November 3, 1986. UN member since September 17, 1991. The capital is Colonia (Palikir).
According to the form of government, it is a federation. Each state has its own legislature.
Administrative division - 4 states.
The Constitution of May 10, 1979 is in force. The head of state is the president, who is elected by universal suffrage for a term of 4 years. Legislature - The Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia consists of 14 deputies, elected for a term of 2 years, with the exception of four deputies elected for a term of 4 years from each of the four states.
Executive power is exercised by the president and the government. The government includes the vice president of the country, as well as several department secretaries. There is no ministerial post. (A.K.)
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Micronesia
Federated States of Micronesia State structure Legal system Judicial system. Control bodies Island state in the Pacific Ocean, including central and eastern Caroline Islands and Kapingamargagi atoll. Territory - 701.4 sq. km. The capital is Palikir. Population - 140 thousand people. (1998), predominantly Micronesians. The official language is English. Religion - Most believers are Christians. In the XVII-XIX centuries. Micronesia belonged to Spain, in 1898-1914. Germany, since 1920 - a mandated territory of Japan, since 1947 a trust territory of the United Nations under the control of the United States. Since 1986 - a state "freely associated" with the United States. This status means that the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) has full sovereignty, excluding defense issues, which remain the prerogative of the United States. In 1991 he was admitted to the UN. Government Micronesia is a federal state consisting of 4 states with their own governments: Chuuk (formerly Truk), Kosrae, Pohnpei (Ponape) and Yap. States have a high degree of independence in almost all spheres of public life. The 1979 Constitution is in effect, modeled on the US Constitution. According to the form of government, FShM is a republic of a special type. The political regime is democratic. There are no political parties. Legislative power belongs to the federal unicameral parliament - the FSM National Congress, which consists of 14 senators (4 senators are elected by one from each state for a period of 4 years, 10 in single-member districts with approximately equal number of voters for a period of 2 years). The head of state and government is the President, elected by members of the FSM National Congress from among 4 state senators for a period of 4 years. The Vice President is elected at the same time. The state structure of the states is established by their own constitutions and is generally similar to the federal one. Legal system The legal system of Micronesia is based on US law. In certain spheres of relations (land, family, hereditary), the norms of local customary law also operate, the role of which is recognized by the Constitution. Labor law in Micronesia has not received significant development, as the country has a small number of employees. The constitution and legislation do not directly enshrine the right to organize in trade unions, strike and collective bargaining, and do not limit working hours. By 2000, not a single trade union had been formed in the FSM. The Federation and the states continue to use the Pacific Islands Trust Territory Criminal Code imposed by the US administration. Everyone uses their own version of this act, to which they independently make amendments. The state of Yap has adopted the US Model Criminal Code. The main difference from the United States in the field of criminal law is the prohibition of the death penalty established by the FSM Constitution (Article IV Section 9). The FSM's Constitutional Bill of Rights includes procedural guarantees of individual rights in criminal proceedings that closely replicate the relevant provisions of the US Constitution. The system of the adversarial process borrowed from the USA contradicts the national traditions of the Micronesians. Because of this a large number of criminal cases do not go to courts, but are resolved through conciliation procedures with the participation of the families of the perpetrator and the victim in accordance with local customs. The judicial system. Control Bodies The judicial system is headed by the FSM Supreme Court, composed of 3 judges, sitting in two divisions: first instance and appeal. This is the only federal court. Supreme Court justices are appointed by the President of the FSM for life with the approval of Congress. Each FSM state has its own Supreme Court with a similar structure. Only in the state of Kosrae does not have an appeal department - this function is performed by the Supreme Court. There are also a small number of local (municipal) courts on the islands. The prosecution system is headed by the attorney general, who is both the head of the justice department (a member of the Cabinet) and the chief legal adviser to the government. Since 1991, the vast majority of cases have come under state jurisdiction. All states except Kosrae recognize the institution of traditional leaders who play a significant role in resolving disputes of various kinds. The supreme audit institution is the public auditor, appointed by the President on the advice and consent of Congress for a period of 4 years.
- a state on 607 islands in the western part of the Pacific Ocean. The former name is the Caroline Islands.
The name of the country comes from the ancient Greek “micro” and “nesos”, which means “small” and “island”, meaning “micro-island”.
General information about Micronesia
Official name: Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)
Capital - Palikir.
Square - 702 km2.
Population - 130 K people
Administrative division - The state is divided into 4 states: Truk, Kostrae, Ponape, Yap.
Form of government - Republic.
Head of State - The president.
Official language - English (official and interethnic communication), 8 local languages: Japanese, Voleai, Uliti and Sonsorol, Caroline, Truk, Kosrae, Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi.
Religion - 50% - Catholics, 47% - Protestants, 3% - others ..
Ethnic composition - 41% - Chuukeys, 26% - Popeans, 7 others. ethnic groups - 33%..
Currency - US dollar = 100 cents.
Internet domain : .fm
Mains voltage : ~ 120 V, 60 Hz
Country dialing code: +691
Country Description
Micronesia - means "small islands", and this absolutely accurately reflects the essence of this country. While the islands are firmly tied to the economic and political interests of the United States, Micronesia has stubbornly pursued its traditional path - a country where people sport loincloths and stone coins are still used as legal tender. The Micronesians are very proud of their past, especially since they have every right to do so - their ancestors crossed the Pacific Ocean in fragile canoes long before the Europeans entered these waters.
The islands have some of the best diving, snorkeling and surfing conditions in the world and are considered a potential international hub for beach holiday and aquatic species sports. The waters around the islands are rich in many forms of exciting marine life. There are a large number of species of hard and soft corals, anemones, sponges, fish, dolphins and molluscs, including the giant clam tridacnu. Large herds of whales pass through these waters every year. Several species of sea turtle lay their eggs on these shores, and the islanders are allowed to use both turtle meat and eggs for food. The islands are also famous for over 200 species of seabirds.
Climate
The climate of Micronesia is equatorial, more humid in the east of the archipelago, where the cyclone zone passes. Conventionally, two seasons are distinguished: dry (January - March) and wet (April - December). From November to December, the northeastern trade winds prevail, the rest of the year the southwestern monsoon winds blow, bringing abundant rainfall. Pohnpei has an average of 300 rainy days a year. Average annual precipitation is 3000–4000 mm. Seasonal fluctuations in air temperature are insignificant, average monthly temperatures are 24-30 ° C. Length daylight hours the same throughout the year. The part of the Pacific Ocean, where Micronesia is located, is an area where typhoons originate (on average, there are up to 25 typhoons per year). Typhoon season is from August to December.
Geography
The Federated States of Micronesia is an island country in the western part of Oceania and the Pacific Ocean. It borders on the Palau Islands in the west, the Mariana Islands in the north, and the Marshall Islands in the east. Occupies most Caroline Islands (excluding Palau). Outside the main island arc are the numerous atolls that make up the country. Micronesia consists of 607 islands, the largest of which are Pohnpei (342 sq. Km), Kosrae (Kusai, 111 sq. Km), Chuuk (126 sq. Km), Yap (118 sq. Km). The total area of the islands is 720.6 sq. km, and the water area - 2.6 million sq. km.
The most mountainous are about. Pohnpei (with the highest point - Mount Ngineni, 779 m), and about. Kosrae (Mount Finkol, 619 m). On about. Yap is dominated by rounded hills; the islands of Kosrae, Chuuk and Pohnpei are of volcanic origin. Most of the islands are low atolls on coral reefs. The most extensive marine lagoon is Chuuk (surrounded by 80 small islands).
Flora and fauna
Volcanic and coral islands differ in the nature of the vegetation. On the coast of volcanic islands - mangroves, coconut trees, bamboo. The coral islands are dominated by coconut palms.
The fauna is represented by bats, rats, crocodiles, snakes, lizards are found. The world of birds is diverse. Yap, unlike other "high" islands, is of non-volcanic origin, it is covered with hills and meadows. The waters of the coral reefs and lagoons are rich in fish and sea animals.
Banks and currency
United States dollar (USD) equal to 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars. And also coins: penny (1 cent), nickel (5 cents), dime (10 cents), quarter (25 cents), half dollar (50 cents) and 1 dollar. The dollar is the country's official currency, so there is no point in importing anything else. American dollar traveler's checks are accepted almost everywhere, and the largest hotels, restaurants and shops accept them as cash. There are no commercial banks in Truk (Chuuk) or Kosrai, so make sure you have enough cash before traveling to these islands. Credit cards are widely accepted in Pohnpei and are increasingly used in Truk and Yap.
Micronesia includes islands: Mariana, Caroline, Marshall, Gilbert and Nauru. The state is located in the western part of the Pacific Ocean in the Caroline Islands. Length coastline 6 112 km. The islands are heterogeneous in geological origin, from high mountainous islands to low coral atolls. Volcanic activity continues on some of the islands.
The climate of the archipelago in the western part is equatorial and subequatorial, in the eastern part it is tropical trade wind-monsoon, with insignificant temperature fluctuations. Average monthly temperatures- about + 25 + 30 ° С. Precipitation - from 1,500 to 4,000 mm per year in different parts archipelago (on eastern islands there are often heavy showers), the "drier" months are winter.
Story
The ancestors of the Micronesians settled the Caroline Islands more than 4 thousand years ago. Over the centuries, Micronesian society has developed two social groups - "noble" and "simple"; the former did not engage in physical labor and differed from the latter in a special tattoo and ornaments. The territorial associations were headed by chiefs (tomol), but their power was not the same on different islands. Remains of an ancient civilization were discovered on Temen Island (Pohnpei State) - stone city Nan Madol. It consisted of monumental structures erected on reefs - platforms made of crushed coral and lined with basalt slabs. Residential and temple complexes, buried the dead and performed various rituals. According to legends, the city was the center of a vast Saudeler state and was destroyed by the conquerors, after which Pohnpei fell apart into five territorial entities. Similar monuments have been found on Lelu Island (Kosrae State). On the island of Yap in later times, there apparently existed a centralized state formation that had economic and religious functions. Tribute was collected from the conquered tribes. The first Europeans found on Yap one- and two-tier platforms with temples and men's houses, as well as a kind of money in the form of large stone discs with a hole in the center.
The Caroline Islands were discovered by European sailors in the 16th-17th centuries. In 1526 di Menezigi discovered the Yap Islands, and in 1528 Alvaro Saavedra first saw the Truk Islands (modern Chuuk). In 1685, Captain Francisco Lazeano rediscovered the island of Yap and named the island Carolina (after the king of Spain Charles II). Later, this name was transferred to the entire archipelago, which was declared the possession of the Spanish crown. However, the discovery of its islands continued in subsequent years. The first Spanish Catholic missionaries, who arrived in 1710 on the Sonsorol Islands and in 1731 on the Ulithi Atoll, were killed by the islanders, and the Spaniards abandoned their attempts to colonize the Caroline Islands until the 1870s.
Since the end of the 18th century. the archipelago began to be visited by trade and scientific British, French and even Russian ships... So, in 1828 the Russian navigator F.P. Litke discovered the islands of Ponape (Pohnpei), Ant and Pakin and named them in honor of Admiral D.N.Senyavin. Since 1830, American whalers have come here frequently. In the 1820-1830s. Pohnpei was home to British sailors who were shipwrecked when they were carrying an English missionary to Kosrai. In 1852, American evangelicals founded a Protestant mission on the Pohnpei and Kosrai Islands. German and English merchants began to penetrate the archipelago.
In 1869 Germany founded a trading station on Yap, which became the center of the German trading network in Micronesia and Samoa. In 1885, the German authorities announced their claims to the Caroline Islands, which Spain considered their own. Thanks to the mediation of the Pope, a German-Spanish treaty was concluded, which recognized the archipelago as Spanish possession, but gave German merchants the right to create factories and plantations on them. Spanish soldiers and missionaries arrived on the islands, but on Pohnpei they met fierce resistance. The islanders revolted and destroyed the plantations.
After defeat in the war with the United States, Spain in 1898 agreed to cede the Caroline and Mariana Islands to Germany. From 1906 they were ruled from German New Guinea. The German colonial authorities introduced universal labor service for adult islanders and began extensive road construction. In response, the inhabitants of Pohnpei revolted and killed Governor Beder. The uprising was suppressed by the German fleet only in 1911. In the fall of 1914, Micronesia was occupied by Japanese troops.
Officially, Japan received the League of Nations mandate to govern Micronesia only in 1921. It used the territory of the Caroline Islands for economic purposes (fishing, production of flour from cassava and alcohol from sugar cane), to create naval and air bases. In relation to the indigenous population, Japan pursued a policy of forced assimilation. Tens of thousands of Japanese were resettled to the islands, and the best lands were handed over to them. Japanese settlements arose. Traces of Japanese domination have been preserved in the appearance of the Carolinians, in their language and names.
Since 1944, bloody battles between American and Japanese troops began on the islands. By 1945, Japanese forces were expelled from Micronesia, the archipelago came under the control of the US military authorities, and in 1947 the Caroline Islands (along with the Mariana and Marshall Islands) became a United Nations Trust Territory administered by the United States - Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (PTO) ... In 1947-1951 the territory was under the jurisdiction of the US Department of the Navy, then it was transferred under the control of the civil administration of the US Department of the Interior. In 1961, the Council of Micronesia was created, but all power remained in the hands of the American High Commissioner. In 1965, the first elections to the Congress of Micronesia took place. In 1967, Congress created the Future Political Status Commission, which recommended seeking independence or establishing a "free association" relationship with the United States with full internal self-government. Since 1969, negotiations have been held between representatives of the Congress of Micronesia and the United States.
On July 12, 1978, the population of Truk (Chuuk), Ponape (Pohnpei), Yap and Kusai (Kosrae) counties voted in a referendum for the creation of the Federated States of Micronesia. Mariana, Marshall Islands and Palau refused to enter the new state. On May 10, 1979, the FSM Constitution was adopted, and the first elections to the National Congress, as well as to the governors of four states, took place in the fall. Former President of the Congress of Micronesia Toshivo Nakayama, who took office in January 1980, became President of the country.
During 1979-1986. The United States has consistently carried out the transfer of management functions to the new head of state and government. FSM's foreign and defense policy remained the prerogative of the United States. In 1983, the population in a referendum approved the status of "free association" with the United States. On November 3, 1985, the PTTO was officially dissolved and the US guardianship regime ended. On December 22, 1990, the UN Security Council approved the abolition of guardianship and the FSM became an officially independent state.
Micronesia landmarks
Micronesia is an amazing country. Despite the influence of the United States, life here goes on as usual. Here you can still see people in loincloths who are far from the blessings of civilization and live in their own world, without globalization and stress.
Micronesia has the most magnificent beaches! The lagoons are bright blue, and the beaches are white, crumbly sand. She is one of best places for diving and snorkeling. These places are rich not only in coral reefs, marine life, but also the remains of sunken ships and aircraft from the Second World War.
Stunning beauty of the lagoons, filled with beautiful coral reefs, and a real underwater museum of sunken ships you will find on the island Chuuk.
Island Kosrae considered one of the most beautiful islands The Pacific Ocean. The beauty of the island simply captivates: the peaks of high mountains, pristine rainforests, extraordinary flowers, coconut and banana plantations, whole gardens of orange, tangerine and lemon trees, wild beaches... Far from civilization, this is a real paradise.
Inhabitants of the island Yap to this day they have preserved the centuries-old traditions and culture of their ancestors, despite many years of colonization. Here, stone coins are still used in trade among themselves, and the inhabitants walk around in loincloths and are engaged in agriculture and handicrafts.
Yap consists of 134 islands and atolls. According to many travel publications, Yap is in the TOP-3 of the best diving spots. Endless beaches, atolls, several picturesque villages attract tourists from all over the world to get acquainted with the unique life of the island and feel the unity with nature.
Pohnpei Island is the largest, most developed and densely populated island in Micronesia. The island is famous for its waterfalls, wonderful forests with blooming nature and hospitality of local residents. You should definitely see the ruins of Nan Mandol, which are located on the artificially created 92 islands back in the 1st century. The islands are connected by canals, so the colonialists called the artificial archipelago the Venice of the Pacific.
The island is popular with surfers. The season runs from late October to April.
Micronesian cuisine
Micronesian cuisine is diverse from island to island. This culinary symphony is united by an abundance of seafood, juicy fruits, vegetables, and cereals. It is seasoned with various sauces.
The main ingredients of the local cuisine are: sweet potatoes (called "yams"), coconuts, breadfruit.
Pork is added to meat dishes. However, nothing beats seafood in popularity. They are very fond of here different kinds fish, shellfish and crabs. As you can see, nature is generous.
Locals love to quench their thirst with water and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Be sure to taste the national alcoholic drink called sakua. It is made from hibiscus bark juice. Please note that you cannot taste alcohol on Chuuk Island: it is prohibited there.
The content of the article
MICRONESIA, The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), a state in the northwestern part of Oceania between 0 and 14 ° N. and 136 and 166 ° E. (2500 km from west to east), occupies 607 islands of the Karolinska archipelago (except for the islands of Palau, or Belau, in the west). Consists of four states: Yap, Chuuk (formerly Truk), Pohnpei (formerly Ponape) and Kosrae (formerly Kusae). The total land area is 702 sq. km. (including Pohnpei 0.34 thousand sq. km., Chuuk 0.13 thousand sq. km., Yap 0.12 thousand sq. km., Kosrae 0.12 thousand sq. km.). Only 40 islands are significant in size. The largest of these are islands with the same names as the states. The capital is the city of Palikir on the island of Ponpei.
NATURE
By geological structure distinguish between low coral islands, rising 3–5 m above sea level, and higher volcanic ones (Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae), with uplifted mountainous central parts. Volcanic islands are surrounded by lagoons separated from the ocean by coral barrier reefs, often consisting of several dozen small islands. Many reefs have passages that allow ships to approach large islands.
The state of Yap includes seven small and four large islands (Yap, Map, Rumung, Gagil-Tomil) and 134 atolls, stretching from west to east for 1100 km. Yap Island is characterized by hilly terrain with a maximum height of 178 m (Mount Tabivol) and fertile soils. It is surrounded by a barrier reef. Most of the population of the state of the same name lives on the island of Yap. The administrative center of the state is the city of Colonia. The largest atoll in the Caroline Islands, Ulithi Island (8 sq. Km) consists of 40 small islets. Fais Atoll in the Yap group is known for its phosphorite reserves.
Chuuk State, which occupies a central position in the FSM, is located 1,440 km east of Yap Island and consists of 15 small island groups scattered in the waters of the Pacific Ocean for 480 km in latitudinal direction in the north and 960 km in the south. The state also includes the Namonuito atolls (the second largest in the world), consisting of 10 islets, Namoluk (triangular), Laol, Pis, Talap, Pular Islands, Puluwat, Kuop, Nama, Losap, Mortlock (100 islands in three groups - Etal, Lukunor and Satavan). The Chuuk Islands themselves are a compact group of 14 mountainous islands of volcanic origin (Moen, Tol, Dublon, Fefan, Uman, etc.) with a total area of 72 sq. km, surrounded by a coral reef. Main city Chuuk Moen State is located on the island of the same name. The lagoon surrounding the 14 central islands of the Chuuk group with an area of 2000 sq. km, serves as an excellent harbor for the port on Dublon Island. The settlements are confined to the coasts of the islands.
The state of Pohnpei occupies the largest island of the same name, surrounded by a reef consisting of 2.5 dozen islets, half of which are of volcanic origin. The state also includes Ant islands (2 large and 12 small), Pakin, Oroluk (with small islets), Mokil (Urak, Manton, Mokil islands with excellent timber forest and several hundred small ones), Pingelap (actually Pingelap, Takai and Tagulu united by one reef), as well as two isolated atolls, Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi (also known as Greenwich).
The soils of Ponpei Island are fertile, with lush forest vegetation covering the slopes that rise straight up from the coast to Mount Nana Laud (798 m), located in the center of the island. Numerous rivers originate from it - sources drinking water... On this island is the capital of the state of Palikir with the residences of the government and congress, a modern airport and a seaport. The administrative center of the state is the city of Colonia.
Kosrae State is located on the island of the same name and the surrounding reef in the far east of the FSM. The island is mountainous with a highly dissected relief (the most high point- Mount Finkol, 634 m above sea level), covered with thickets of excellent timber. The soils are fertile. There are significant reserves of river drinking water. Kosrae Island is surrounded by a reef and has four convenient bays (Okat, Lelu, Taf and Utve). The main settlements - Tafunsak, Lelu, Malem and Utve - are located on the coast and are connected by an unpaved road. The main city of the state is Lelu. There is a local air traffic from the island of Ponpei. The airport is functioning.
The FSM climate is equatorial, more humid in the east of the archipelago, where the cyclone zone passes. Conventionally, two seasons are distinguished: dry (January - March) and wet (April - December). From November to December, the northeastern trade winds prevail, the rest of the year the southwestern monsoon winds blow, bringing abundant rainfall. Pohnpei has an average of 300 rainy days a year. Average annual precipitation is 3000–4000 mm. Seasonal fluctuations in air temperature are insignificant, average monthly temperatures are 24-30 ° С. The length of daylight hours is the same throughout the year.
The vegetation is mainly represented by virgin equatorial wet forests on the slopes of the mountains. On volcanic islands, it is much more diverse than on coral ones. The coasts of volcanic islands are often covered with mangroves. On the islands of both types grow coconut palm, breadfruit, pandanus, bananas. Citrus fruits, cassava, sweet potatoes, various tropical fruit trees, a chocolate tree, and black pepper were introduced by Europeans and Asians.
The terrestrial fauna is not very diverse. Bats, rats (introduced on ships by the first Europeans), lizards are presented. Many species of birds. Extremely diverse and rich animal world ocean, including many species of fish, crustaceans, bivalve molluscs, dolphins, sometimes whales and dugongs.
POPULATION
As of July 2003, there were 108,143 people living in the FSM. The age structure of the population: under 15 years old - 38%, aged 15 to 64 years old - 59%, over 65 years old - 3%. The average life expectancy is 69.13 years. Population growth in 2003 was 0.04%. The birth rate reaches 26.47 per 1000 inhabitants, the mortality rate is 5.1 per 1000. The emigration rate is 20.98 per 1000. The infant mortality rate is 32.39 per 1000 newborns.
The Free Association Agreement with the United States allows its citizens to freely choose their place of residence within the United States. Currently in the USA (on Guam, Hawaii and on the mainland) approx. 15 thousand FSM citizens.
The ancestors of the modern inhabitants of the Caroline Islands come from South-East Asia... Racially, they form a special group formed as a result of a mixture of Australoid and Mongoloid elements. The atolls of Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi are inhabited by Polynesians. Ethnically, 9 groups are distinguished.
The official language of the FSM and the language of international communication is English. The languages of the indigenous population of the archipelago belong to the East Oceanic group of the Oceanian branch of the Austronesian family: Yap, Voleai, Uliti and Sonsorol, Caroline, Truk, Kosrae, Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi. The last two are Polynesian languages. The writing of the local languages is based on the Latin script. Many older people speak Japanese.
50% are Catholics, 47% are Protestants, less than 1% of the population adheres to local traditional beliefs.
Ethnic composition and employment.
The ancestors of the modern inhabitants of the Caroline Islands come from Southeast Asia. According to the latest theories, Micronesia was settled in two ways - through the islands of the Malay Archipelago, and possibly the Japanese Islands, as well as through Vanuatu (formerly New Hebrides). The inhabitants of the Caroline Islands, like all Micronesians, racially form a special group formed as a result of a mixture of Australoid and Mongoloid elements. They are characterized by rather dark skin, wavy, straight and curly hair, medium height. The appearance of some Caroline people also has Japanese, Chinese and European features. The atolls of Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi are inhabited by Polynesians.
The traditional occupations of the local population are fishing and agriculture. Small areas of the forest cleared from the forest are used for the cultivation of coconut palms, breadfruit, pandanus, yams, sweet potatoes, cassava, bananas, taro, and sugar cane. Currently, citrus fruits, various fruits (pineapples, papaya, mango, etc.), chocolate tree, pepper (black and betel nut) are also grown. The population is also engaged in fishing and collecting molluscs and crustaceans on the reef. In recent years, employment has been growing in servicing the tourism business (hotels, restaurants, agencies) and airports. In the cities, the Carolinian people work as small employees and are engaged in handicrafts, in particular, the manufacture of souvenirs.
Language and writing.
The official language of the FSM is English, which is also the language of interethnic communication. The languages of the indigenous population of the archipelago belong to the East Oceanic group of the Oceanian branch of the Austronesian family - Yap, Voleai, Uliti and Sonsorol, Caroline, Truk, Kosrae, Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi. The last two are Polynesian languages. The writing of the local languages is based on the Latin script. English is taught in all schools. Many older people speak Japanese.
Religion.
The overwhelming majority of the population is Christian, and there are approximately equal numbers of Catholics and Protestants. Some states are dominated by Protestants (over 98% in Kosrai), while others are dominated by Catholics (Chuuk State). Less than 1% of the population adheres to local traditional beliefs.
POLITICAL SYSTEM
FSM is a democratic, federal presidential republic in a "free association" relationship with the United States. The head of state and government is the president. Like the Vice President, he is elected by Congress from among its members for a term of four years. In 2003, Joseph John Urusemal was elected President of Micronesia.
The highest legislative body is the National Congress, which consists of 14 members. 4 of them (sometimes called senators) are elected by the population for 4 years (one from each state), the remaining 10 - for 2 years in single-member constituencies (5 in Chuuka, 3 in Pohnpei, 1 in Yap and Kosrai). The last elections were held in 2003. The minimum age for voting is 18 years.
Each of the 4 states has a governor and legislature, which are elected by the people.
There are no official political parties.
The highest judicial body is the Supreme Court.
FSM is a member of the UN (since 1991) and its specialized organizations, as well as a number of regional organizations, such as the Pacific Forum.
There are no own armed forces. Under the "free association" treaty, the US provides military protection to the country.
ECONOMY
The economy of Micronesia is based on subsistence and semi-subsistence agriculture and fishing. The islands have few minerals other than phosphates. There is significant potential for the development of the tourism industry, but its remote location, lack of developed infrastructure and an established transport system hold it back. Private sector grows slowly.
After the value of GDP reached USD 145 million in 1989, it declined in subsequent years and in 2002 was estimated to be about USD 100 million, or approx. 2 thousand dollars per capita. Real GDP growth in 2002 reached 1%. Agriculture provided 50% of the value of GDP, industry - 4%, services - 46%.
The inflation rate in 2002 was 1%. OK. 28% of the population lives below the official poverty line. Two thirds of the wage labor force works in the public sector. Unemployment in 1999 reached 16%.
Agriculture provides 60% of the food the country needs. Almost 50% of the working population all year round or during agricultural work. They grow coconut palm, breadfruit, pandanus, yams, sweet potatoes, cassava, bananas, taro, citrus fruits, papaya, mango, chocolate tree, pepper (black and betel nut) and other crops. Goats, sheep and buffaloes are bred in Pohnpei. Some of the agricultural products are exported, mainly coconut products. Coconut palm, its leaves and nuts are the staple food of the islanders. In recent years, the role of fishing has been increasing in the country's economy, since the ocean resources within the maritime economic zone (2.6 million sq. Km.) Are its property. Licensed fishing is carried out by Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Mexico and the USA. There is a Micronesian Maritime Academy in Yapa, which trains personnel for the development of fisheries.
Foreign tourism is developing. Every year the country is visited by approx. 25,000 tourists, mainly from Australia and Japan, dominated by construction, fish processing, aquaculture, handicrafts and souvenirs made from shells, wood and mother-of-pearl.
The main export items are copra (over 50% of the export value), pepper (black and betel nut), fish (mainly tuna), trochus shells, coconut derivatives (edible and cosmetic oils, soaps, creams), bananas, and local handicrafts. The volume of exports is 73 million dollars per year. Goods are exported primarily to Japan, the USA and Guam.
The import value is estimated at $ 168 million (1996). FShM imports up to 40% of foodstuffs, manufactured goods, cars and other vehicles, and petroleum products. Major import partners: USA, Australia and Japan.
The total length of highways is 240 km, of which 42 km. have a hard surface. The main ports are Colonia (Yap), Colonia (Pohnpei), Lele, Moen. In 2002 there were 7 airports, 6 of them with hard surface.
Micronesia has 11 thousand telephone lines and 2 thousand Internet users, 6 radio and 2 television stations. The population owns 9.4 thousand radios and 2.8 thousand televisions.
The budget consists of taxes, export of agricultural products, seafood, licensing of fishing for tuna by foreign countries in the maritime economic zone. Financial assistance from the United States helped to cover the excess of expenses over income. In accordance with the agreement on "free association", in 1986-2001 the United States provided financial and technical assistance totaling $ 1.3 billion. Under the 2002 agreement, this assistance was significantly reduced. External debt $ 53.1 million. The monetary unit is the US dollar.
SOCIETY AND CULTURE
Education.
According to the FSM constitution, education is funded from central and regional budgets. Primary and secondary schools are owned by the state and religious missions. State governments provide initial education and training for teachers, while central governments support and coordinate education at all levels. Young people receive vocational education at the Micronesian College in Palikir (opened in 1972, has faculties of business, pedagogical, applied arts, etc.), the Micronesian vocational center on Kosrai, in the schools of agriculture and trade on Pohnpei, the Javier High School on Chuuka, and also in educational institutions in the United States (on the mainland, Guam and Hawaii).
Healthcare.
Medical assistance to the population is provided in full by state medical institutions. True, in recent years a private dental and medical practice has appeared on Ponpei Island. The FSM government recruits doctors for the Public Health Program through the US National Health Service and UN Development Program. It also implements various health, nutrition and sanitation programs of the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations International Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the South Pacific Commission (STC). Each state has hospitals, there are several dispensaries and more than 100 outpatient clinics in the country. In difficult cases, patients are sent to hospitals in Guam and Hawaii.
Culture.
The traditional culture of the FSM population is general Micronesian (with the exception of the culture of the two Polynesian atolls Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi). However, it has undergone significant changes over several centuries of foreign domination. But even now, on many islands, there are houses of a local pillar structure without walls, the function of which is performed by gable roofs that reach the ground, covered with palm leaves or mats. Micronesians still master the art of making wooden boats without a single metal nail. Leaders play a significant role in the public life of the FSM. Perhaps the most conservative was the culture of the Yapis (folklore, dancing, houses on stone foundations under palm leaves, loincloths for men and fluffy skirts made of plant fibers for women).
Intensive contacts in recent decades with the Western world have changed the mentality of the young generation of FSM citizens, who are no longer guided by traditional values, but strive to join the achievements of Western civilization.
STORY
The ancestors of the Micronesians settled the Caroline Islands more than 4 thousand years ago. Over the centuries, Micronesian society has developed two social groups - "noble" and "simple"; the former did not engage in physical labor and differed from the latter in a special tattoo and ornaments. The territorial associations were headed by chiefs (tomol), but their power was not the same on different islands. Remains of an ancient civilization - the stone city of Nan Madol - were discovered on Temen Island (Pohnpei State). It consisted of monumental structures erected on reefs - platforms made of crushed coral and lined with basalt slabs. Residential and temple complexes were erected on the platforms, the dead were buried and various rituals were performed. According to legends, the city was the center of a vast Saudeler state and was destroyed by the conquerors, after which Pohnpei fell apart into five territorial entities. Similar monuments have been found on Lelu Island (Kosrae State). On the island of Yap in later times, there apparently existed a centralized state formation that had economic and religious functions. Tribute was collected from the conquered tribes. The first Europeans found on Yap one- and two-tier platforms with temples and men's houses, as well as a kind of money in the form of large stone discs with a hole in the center.
The Caroline Islands were discovered by European navigators in the 16th and 17th centuries. In 1526 di Menezigi discovered the Yap Islands, and in 1528 Alvaro Saavedra first saw the Truk Islands (modern Chuuk). In 1685, Captain Francisco Lazeano rediscovered the island of Yap and named the island Carolina (after the king of Spain Charles II). Later, this name was transferred to the entire archipelago, which was declared the possession of the Spanish crown. However, the discovery of its islands continued in subsequent years. The first Spanish Catholic missionaries, who arrived in 1710 on the Sonsorol Islands and in 1731 on the Ulithi Atoll, were killed by the islanders, and the Spaniards abandoned their attempts to colonize the Caroline Islands until the 1870s.
Since the end of the 18th century. the archipelago began to be visited by commercial and scientific British, French and even Russian ships. So, in 1828 the Russian navigator F.P. Litke discovered the islands of Ponape (Pohnpei), Ant and Pakin and named them in honor of Admiral D.N.Senyavin. Since 1830, American whalers have come here frequently. In the 1820s and 1830s, British sailors who were shipwrecked while carrying an English missionary to Kosrai lived on Pohnpei. In 1852, American evangelicals founded a Protestant mission on the Pohnpei and Kosrai Islands. German and English merchants began to penetrate the archipelago.
In 1869 Germany established a trading station at Yap, which became the center of the German trade network in Micronesia and Samoa. In 1885, the German authorities announced their claims to the Caroline Islands, which Spain considered their own. Thanks to the mediation of the Pope, a German-Spanish treaty was concluded, which recognized the archipelago as Spanish possession, but gave German merchants the right to create factories and plantations on them. Spanish soldiers and missionaries arrived on the islands, but on Pohnpei they met fierce resistance. The islanders revolted and destroyed the plantations.
After defeat in the war with the United States, Spain in 1898 agreed to cede the Caroline and Mariana Islands to Germany. From 1906 they were ruled from German New Guinea. The German colonial authorities introduced universal labor service for adult islanders and began extensive road construction. In response, the inhabitants of Pohnpei revolted and killed Governor Beder. The uprising was suppressed by the German fleet only in 1911. In the fall of 1914 Micronesia was occupied by Japanese troops.
Japan officially received the League of Nations mandate to govern Micronesia only in 1921. The territory of the Caroline Islands was used for economic purposes (fishing, the production of flour from cassava and alcohol from sugar cane), for the creation of naval and air bases. In relation to the indigenous population, Japan pursued a policy of forced assimilation. Tens of thousands of Japanese were resettled to the islands, and the best lands were handed over to them. Japanese settlements arose. Traces of Japanese domination have been preserved in the appearance of the Carolinians, in their language and names.
Since 1944, bloody battles between American and Japanese troops began on the islands. By 1945, Japanese forces were expelled from Micronesia, the archipelago came under the control of the US military, and in 1947 the Caroline Islands (along with the Mariana and Marshall Islands) became a United Nations Trust Territory administered by the United States - the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (PTTO). In 1947-1951 the territory was under the jurisdiction of the US Department of the Navy, then it was transferred under the control of the civil administration of the US Department of the Interior. In 1962, the administrative bodies were transferred from Guam to Saipan (Mariana Islands). In 1961, the Council of Micronesia was created, but all power remained in the hands of the American High Commissioner. In 1965, the first elections to the Congress of Micronesia took place. In 1967, Congress created a Commission on Future Political Status, which recommended seeking independence or establishing a "free association" relationship with the United States with full internal self-government. Since 1969, negotiations have been held between representatives of the Congress of Micronesia and the United States.
On July 12, 1978, the population of Truk (Chuuk), Ponape (Pohnpei), Yap and Kusai (Kosrae) counties voted in a referendum for the creation of the Federated States of Micronesia. The Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands and Palau refused to enter the new state. On May 10, 1979, the FSM Constitution was adopted, and in the fall the first elections were held for the National Congress, as well as for the governors of four states. Former President of the Congress of Micronesia Toshivo Nakayama, who took office in January 1980, became President of the country.
During 1979-1986, the United States has consistently carried out the transfer of management functions to the new head of state and government. FSM's foreign and defense policy remained the prerogative of the United States. In 1983, the population in a referendum approved the status of "free association" with the United States. On November 3, 1985, the PTTO was officially dissolved and the US guardianship regime ended. On December 22, 1990, the UN Security Council approved the abolition of the guardianship and the FSM became an officially independent state.
Micronesia in the late 20th - early 21st century
In 1991, Micronesian President John Haglelgum (1987-1991), who lost the parliamentary elections, resigned as head of state. In 1991–1996, the presidency was held by Bailey Olter (Pohnpei State), in 1996–1999 Jacob Nena (Kosrae State), in 1999–2003 by Leo Ami Falkam, and since 2003 by Joseph John Urusemal. The draft amendment to the constitution, which provided for direct elections of the president and vice president, was rejected.
The country's main problems remain high unemployment, declining fish catches and a high degree of dependence on US aid.
