TM Federated States of

CultureGrams
Kids Edition 2017 Micronesia

Micronesia is made up of 607 islands. Its name comes from the Greek words for "tiny islands."
Yap and Chuuk are popular scuba diving and snorkeling destinations.
Two different species of flying fox are native to Micronesia.
In the state of Chuuk, it is common to bury dead people in their backyards.
In more traditional villages in Yap, women wear grass skirts and men wear a kind of loincloth called a th'u.
Ever since 1952, the United States Air Force has carried out Operation Christmas Drop, airlifting gifts to the
people of the remote atoll (ring-shaped reef) of Kapingamarangi. The boxes are dropped from large cargo planes
or parachutes and can weigh as much as 400 pounds. Donated by the people of Guam, they include items such
as fishing nets, tools, toys, and school supplies.
Zorries (rubber or plastic flip-flops) are common footwear on all the islands.
Nan Madol is city of ruins made up of a group of small artificial islands connected by a series of canals. It is known
as the Venice of the Pacific.
Pohnpei is known for the beautifully embroidered skirts the islanders make.
Yapese men used to sail canoes to Palau, where they carved rai (huge stone disks that represented money). It
was very difficult to sail back carrying the huge rai, so people came to believe that the greater the loss of life on
the return trip, the higher the value of the rai. Traditional stone currency is still used in some parts of Yap for
selling and buying large areas of land.

Flag
Blue stands for the Pacific Ocean. The stars are arranged like the points of the
compass and symbolize the four states of Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap.

National Image
The seal of the Federated States of Micronesia features the four stars from the nation's
flag as well as a sprouted coconut floating in the ocean. Copra (dried coconut) is one of
the main cash crops of the islands.

Land and Climate

Area (sq. mi.)

271
Area (sq. km.)
702

The Federated States of Micronesia is made up of four major island groups located in
the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Indonesia.
They are part of the Caroline Islands archipelago (island chain). The four groups
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include more than six hundred islands that altogether cover a land area around the
same size as Tonga, or four times the size of Washington, D.C. Most of the islands are
quite small, covering less than 1 square mile (2.6 square kilometers) each. Only 52 of
the islands are inhabited. The four island groups are organized into four states: Kosrae,
Pohnpei, Chuuk, and Yap. The capital city of Palikir is located on Pohnpeithe largest
island.

The landscapes of the islands are very diverse. Some are covered in high mountains,
while others are part of atolls (ring-shaped reefs or island chains) formed of coral that
grew on the slopes of sunken volcanoes. The island landscapes are very green and
lush, full of hibiscus flowers and palm, betel nut, papaya, and breadfruit trees.

Micronesia's climate is tropical all year long. Heavy rains fall year-round, especially on
the eastern islands. Micronesia is located on the southern edge of the typhoon (tropical
cyclone) beltan area that experiences many typhoons each year, particularly from
June to December.

Population

Population
104,719

There are several different ethnic groups within Micronesia. The largest is the
Chuukese, or Mortlockese. Smaller groups include the Pohnpeian, Kosraean, Yapese,
and Yap Outer Islanders. Micronesia is also home to some Polynesian and Asian
peoples. Pohnpei is the most diverse island. People from all four states, as well as
some Americans and Filipinos, live in Pohnpei.

Within each state, the majority of the population lives in the "state center," or largest city
of that state. Others live in the outer islands, where boats only travel once every few
months. Micronesians are a young people. The average age is 24. Around seven
thousand people live in the capital city of Palikir. Micronesians can live in the United
States without a visa (document allowing a person to enter and stay in a country)
because of a special treaty between the two countries' governments.

Language
English is the official language of the Federated States of Micronesia and the language taught in school. However,
outside of the main cities of the four states, local languages are the main spoken languages instead of English. Some
of the main local languages are Chuukese, Kosrean, Pohnpeian, and Yapese. Over time, these local languages have
adopted words from other languages, such as Spanish, Japanese, and English. Outer islands often have their own
dialects (ways of speaking or pronouncing), including Mortlockese, Pingelapese, Mokilese, and Ngatikese.

Can You Say It in Yapese?

Hello Mogethin (mo-GAY-thin)
Good-bye Kafel (kah-FEHL)
Please Winig (WIN-ig)
Thank you Kammagar (kahm-mah-GAHR)
Yes Ea (aah)
No Danga (DONG-ah)

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Religion

Source: The World Factbook 2017. Washington, DC: Central Intelligence Agency, 2017.
Most Micronesians are Christian and belong to either the Roman Catholic Church or a Protestant Church. There are
smaller groups of Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-day Adventists, and Baha'i. Many people attend church
services regularly. Some Micronesians include traditional beliefs and practices, such as the belief in magic or evil
spirits, with their Christian faith.

Time Line
AD 1500
AD 1500 Spanish explorers sight the islands of Micronesia
1800
Mid-1800s The coconut trade and missionary activities begin
1880s Spain fails to extend its colonizing control over the Caroline Islands
(including Micronesia and Palau)
1898 The Caroline Islands come become a German colony

1900
1914 Japan occupies Micronesia
193945 Micronesia becomes a major battleground during World War II
1947 Micronesia comes under the administration of the United States as part
of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

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Late 1960s Micronesia and the United States begin talks on letting Micronesia
govern itself
1970s The Northern Marianas, the Marshall Islands, and Palau each demand
separate status from the islands of Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk, and Yap
1979 Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk, and Yap approve a constitution setting up the
Federated States of Micronesia
1986 Micronesia signs an agreement with the United States under which the
United States provides economic help and takes charge of
Micronesias defense in exchange for the right to set up military bases
on the islands
1991 Micronesia joins the United Nations
2000
2003 Micronesia and the United States sign another 20-year agreement
2004 Typhoon Sudel devastates Yap, and a state of emergency is declared
2015 Typhoon Maysak devastates Chuuk and Yap

PRESENT

Early Peoples
The ancestors of today's Micronesians settled on the islands thousands of years ago.
There is very little information on what their lives were like, but there is evidence that
they lived in groups ruled by powerful chiefs. Most of the people lived in what are now
the states of Yap and Pohnpei. People living on the outer islands were expected to give
the chiefs gifts of food and woven goods to show their respect and gratitude. In
exchange, the chiefs would give them other types of goods, such as spices or pottery.
The ruins of these chiefs' grand walled compounds remain today.

Colonization
In the 1500s, European explorers arrived in what is now Micronesia in search of the
Spice Islands (what is now Indonesia). The Portuguese were followed by the Spanish,
who introduced Christianity to the islands. However, not very many Micronesians chose
to adopt the new religion until the 1800s. Spain tried and failed to gain control over the
islands, and they went on to come under German control in 1898 as part of a treaty.
Germany set up trading posts and began exporting (selling to other countries) copra
(dried coconut). Yap also became an important German naval communications center.

World Wars
During World War I, Japan occupied the islands and was eventually given control of the
region as part of the Treaty of Versailles. The Japanese ruled the islands very harshly,
but they did develop industries on the islands, including mining, fishing, and sugarcane
farming. Many Japanese moved to the region at this time. During World War II, the
Japanese built bunkers and airstrips all over the area to defend their position, and
Operation Hailstoneone of the most important naval battles of the wartook place at
Truk (now Chuuk). By the time Japan was defeated at the end of the war, much of
Micronesia had been destroyed by bombing and its people were living in poverty. At

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this point, the United States took control of the area.

Modern Micronesia
At the time the United States began administering the region, it included the Mariana
Islands, the Marshall Islands, Palau, Yap, Truk (now Chuuk), and Ponape (now
Pohnpei). In 1978, Yap, Truk, Ponape, and Kusaie (now Kosrae) voted to become a
separate country known as the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The new nation
adopted a constitution the next year. Tosiwo Nakayama became the first president.

Micronesia and the United States have kept up a close relationship, signing an
agreement in 1986 and again in 2003. Under the terms of the agreement, the United
States recognizes Micronesia's authority and control over national affairs. It also
provides financial aid, immigration rights, and access to U.S. federal programs.
Micronesia allows the United States access to its land and control of its national
defense. Micronesians believe in the importance of protecting their environment,
creating jobs for the population, developing their own national identity, and working to
cut down dependence on help from foreign countries.

Games and Sports

Basketball, softball, track and field, and volleyball are all favorite sports for kids in
Micronesia. On Pohnpei, people enjoy swimming as well. Many kids enjoy playing
soccer and volleyball. The villages have outdoor volleyball courts, and each village has
volleyball teams that play in tournaments. Every year, there is a school day dedicated
to games and sportsmanship. Students of all ages spend the day participating in the
50-yard dash, the 100-yard dash, team relays, basketball games, coconut-husking
competitions, and other events.

Holidays
Christmas and Easter are both big holidays in Micronesia. Individual villages celebrate by holding feasts, games, and
church services. Easter is celebrated for all of Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter), ending on Easter Sunday
itself. It is a time when families gather together to celebrate and enjoy being with one another.

In Pohnpei, some villages welcome in the New Year with singing, shouting, and drumming. When the clock strikes
midnight, cars drive around honking their horns, and people stay up until the sun rises to welcome the New Year. For
the next few days, excited kids wish people a happy New Year by spraying water on their cars as they drive by.

First birthday parties are very special occasions in Micronesia. People believe that if a baby lives until its first birthday,
it is likely that it will continue growing strong for the rest of its life. The whole extended family and friends come to first
birthday parties for lots of food and fun.

Food
Micronesians eat a lot of rice. It is often served with fried, grilled, or baked fish or chicken and local fruits and
vegetables, such as papaya, mangoes, bananas, breadfruit, and yams. Many dishes are cooked with coconut milk,
lime juice, soy sauce, or wasabi (a hot Japanese paste made from horseradish). Other favorites include homemade
tapioca, sweet taro, and pounded taro. Pancakes and ramen noodles are common dishes. Kool-Aid is a very popular
drink. Kids enjoy sprinkling a Kool-Aid packet on uncooked ramen noodles for a snack.

Pigs are roasted for special occasions, religious ceremonies, or government celebrations. Dog and turtle meat are
considered delicacies. Sugarcane and coconut are popular snacks. There are many different varieties of bananas and
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ways to cook them. Mashed bananas with coconut milk, fried bananas, and boiled bananas are favorites.

Kids and adults usually eat separately. Kids share one large plate and are served first. Most Micronesians eat with their
hands. On smaller islands, families usually wait until the day's fishing is complete before eating their first meal.

Schools

Adult Literacy
89%

The government provides education for all kids from first grade through twelfth grade, but most children only go to
school from ages five through fourteen. Many kids stop after eighth grade because they would have to leave their
home islands in order to get to the nearest secondary (high) school. Some students graduate from high school and go
to college in neighboring places like Palau or Guam. There are some church-run private schools and a college in
Pohnpei.

In public schools, kindergarten through second grade classes go to school from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., while third
graders and up stay until 3:30 p.m. Students study English, language arts, science, math, social studies, and
sometimes music or religion, if it is a church-run school. Kids have a morning recess, a lunch break, and an afternoon
recess. At lunch, students gather together in a circle and share food with their friends. If someone doesn't have a
lunch, they are invited to come and eat with their classmates. For lunch, most students eat out of a plastic takeout
container. They usually eat rice, fried chicken, hot dogs, or fish, with an orange slice or a piece of cucumber.

Life as a Kid
For kids in Micronesia, family is everything. Kids start the day with chores before walking or driving to school. There are
certain chores boys do and certain chores girls do. Boys help fish, gather and husk coconuts, and clear the grass with
machetes. Girls help their mothers sweep, do laundry, prepare food for the family, and take care of younger brothers
and sisters and cousins. Many families live together in one house or in a compound next door to their cousins, aunts,
uncles, and grandparents. Since families are so big, most kids have at least two or three cousins in class with them at
school.

After school gets out, students go home to do their chores and spend time with their family. Some islands in Micronesia
have internet, and kids enjoy connecting with friends on social media and playing games online. On the weekends, kids
love watching movies, playing with their cousins while at a local feast, going swimming at a waterfall, or going to an
island close by to have a picnic and to play. When it's time for bed, everyone lays down pillows and blankets and
sleeps together on the floor in one or two big rooms, depending on who is spending the night.

Government

Capital
Palikir
Head of State
President Peter Christian
Head of Government
President Peter Christian

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The lawmaking body of Micronesia is called Congress and is made up of 14 members. Ten of the members are directly
elected by the people to serve two-year terms, while the other four are directly elected by each of the four states to
represent those states and serve four-year terms. Congress chooses the president and vice president from among
those four members. The president leads the nation. There are no formal political parties. Traditional chiefs lead the
individual islands and villages. The voting age is 18.

Money and Economy

Currency
U.S. dollar

Most Micronesians make their living fishing and farming, raising just enough crops to
feed and take care of their families. Tuna is the main fish caught. Major crops include
yams, bananas, coconuts, taro, breadfruit, and black pepper. Some people work for the
government. Tourism is an important industry, as many people travel to see the
beautiful islands and go scuba diving in the nation's waters and lagoons. The United
States provides Micronesia with a lot of financial aid to keep the economy going. Copra
(dried coconut) and tuna are Micronesia's main exports (goods sold to other countries).

Getting Around
The four larger islands have paved roads and others with crushed coral surfaces. Dirt
roads connect towns and villages on outlying and smaller islands. Sometimes an entire
island will share the use of one vehicle. Most people travel by car or bus. Others ride
bicycles or walk. Motorboats ferry people between islands, and each state is home to
an airport and a port. Every few weeks or months, field trip ships transport people and
supplies to and from outer islands.

Feasts and Funerals

Feasts at the beginning of each harvest season (when breadfruit, yams, and taro are
harvested) are important cultural occasions in Micronesia. The entire village brings the
village chief the first breadfruit, yam, or taro they harvest. The chief and other important
local leaders sit in the meetinghouse and lead a traditional ceremony. Kids can play
outside with their friends. People are often called up one at a time by their traditional
title to receive gifts. These ceremonies are very important and preserve the traditional
culture of Micronesia.

Funerals are also very important occasions in Micronesia. Funerals can last for as few
as three days or for as many as nine. They can be very expensive because the family
of the person who has died is expected to provide funeral-goers with food and drinks
every day. If the person who died held a traditional title in the community, school is
cancelled for a day or two so the entire village can attend. Each day of the funeral has a
specific theme. The first day is normally the wailing day, when women come and wail
loudly over the body. There is also often a joke day, when people play tricks on each
other, and a day with a traditional local feast.

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Learn More
Contact the Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia, 1727 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036; phone (202)
223-4383; web site www.fsmembassydc.org.

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