Geography 

Physical geography

The Federated States of Micronesia is made up of 607 separate islands, with a total land mass of 702 square kilometres, spread over 3 million square kilometres of ocean. The islands are divided into four groups: Pohnpei (Ponape), Chuuk (Truk), Yap, and Kosrae (Kosaie). The islands range from low coral atolls to mountainous volcanic land. The highest point is Mount Dolohmwar (Totolom) at 791 metres.

Climate 

Micronesia has a tropical climate with heavy, year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern islands. Islands on the southern edge, such as Kapingamarangi, are in a cyclone belt and often experience severe storm damage to towns, homes, industry and the environment.

Environment

The Federated States of Micronesia has forests, marine products, deep sea bed minerals, and phosphate. On the largest island in the Pohnpei group there is an extraordinary array of plants and animals. This one island is the home to 767 plant species, 111 of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Over-fishing, exploitation of natural resources, climate change and pollution are all environmental threats facing the islands.

Population

Only 23% of the population lives in urban areas. The State of Chuuk accounts for roughly half the totalof the population.

People

Culture and identity

The Federated States of Micronesia is made up of several ethnic groups, each with their own language, culture and traditions. The major groups include Chuukese, Pohnpeian, Kosraean, Yapese, and the Yap outer islands. 

While the traditional extended family and clan systems are prominent across all the islands, each of the four states has their own distinct cultures and traditions. English is the official and most commonly spoken language.

Health

The average life expectancy is 72 years of age, with males averaging 70 years and females 74 years. The infant mortality rate is 22 deaths for every 1,000 live births. Most people (89%) have access to clean drinking water but only 55% have access to sanitation facilities, with great disparities between urban and rural communities. Communicable diseases present a major challenge for health services.

Religion and beliefs

Much of the Micronesian population are Christian, with a small number of people adhering to Indigenous religions.

Food and shelter

The main staple foods in the Federated States of Micronesia are taro, yam, breadfruit, banana and coconuts, of which there are hundreds of varieties. Fish, crabs, shellfish, pigs and chickens supplement these.

Traditional villages are centred around a meeting house and platforms used by the elder male residents to discuss community matters. Traditional houses made of wooden posts with thatch roofs have largely been replaced by homes made of cement block with corrugated iron roofs. 

Economy

Wealth and poverty

Subsistence fishing and farming are the main economic activities. Sales of fishing licences account for almost half of government revenue. More than a quarter of the population lives below the poverty line.

Education and work

Education is compulsory for children aged 6–14, and 89% of the population (91% male and 88% female) can read and write.

Three quarters of the workforce are government employees.

Industries and products

Agricultural products include black pepper, tropical fruits and vegetables, coconuts, bananas, cassava (tapioca), sakau (kava), betel nuts, sweet potatoes, pigs, chickens and fish.

Tourism is a key industry, but its growth is restricted by limited air links and inadequate infrastructure. Other industries include construction, fish processing, specialised aquaculture and the production of craft items from shell, wood and pearls.

Trade

Export commodities consist of fish, garments, bananas, black pepper, sakau and betel nut.

Imports consist of food, manufactured goods, machinery, equipment and beverages.  

Government

The Federated States of Micronesia is an independent country in a Compact of Free Association with the USA. Through this compact the USA funds health and education services, supports the provision of infrastructure and improvements in the environment, and builds capacity in the private and public sectors. President Emanuel Mori is both Head of State and Head of Government and was elected in March 2011.

Achievements and challenges

The Federated States of Micronesia is committed to protecting 30% of its marine areas and 20% of its forest areas by 2020. These areas represent 20% of the Pacific Islands region and will ensure 10% of the world's reef areas, including 462 coral species, are preserved.

Like many Pacific Island countries, its small land mass and population, shortage of skilled labour, narrow economic base, fragile natural environment and geographic isolation present great challenges for development. The country is unlikely to achieve many of the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.

Links with Australia

Australia is a small donor to the Federated States of Micronesia. Support focuses on budget and economic management, donor coordination, and environmental management. Australia also provides specialist technical assistance, scholarships, and small grants.

Australian exports to the Federated States of Micronesia are wheat flour, meat, sugar and refined petroleum. Australia's imports include electrical and non-electrical machinery and parts.