CapitalPalikir
Population99,603
Area702 km²
GDP per capita$3,800
LanguagesEnglish , Chuukese, Kosrean, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi
Life Expectancy75.0 yr
Governmenta federal republic in free association with the United States
Introduction
Background
The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) consists of four distinct states: Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap, each with its own rich history and cultural practices. The initial human settlers reached the region now known as the FSM during the second millennium B.C. The construction of the artificial islets at the Nan Madol complex in Pohnpei commenced in the 800s A.D., with the primary structures being completed around 1200. At its zenith, Nan Madol brought together roughly 25,000 inhabitants of Pohnpei under the Saudeleur Dynasty. By 1250, Kosrae had established a kingdom based in Leluh. Yap developed a rigidly hierarchical society, where chiefs received tributes from islands located as far as 1,100 km (700 mi) away. Extensive human habitation in Chuuk began in the 1300s, and the islands within the Chuuk Lagoon often engaged in conflicts with one another.
In the 1500s, Portuguese and Spanish explorers made their way to several islands, and during the 1600s, Spain began to exert nominal control over certain islands, which they referred to as the Caroline Islands, although this did not involve direct governance. In 1899, Spain transferred ownership of the FSM to Germany. In 1914, Japan took control of the islands and received a League of Nations mandate to govern them in 1920. Throughout World War II, Japan established military bases on many of the islands and made Chuuk the headquarters for its Pacific naval operations. The United States targeted Chuuk with bombing raids in 1944 but largely bypassed the other islands during its leapfrog strategy across the Pacific.
In 1947, the FSM fell under U.S. administration as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, which included six districts: Chuuk, the Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Pohnpei, and Yap; in 1977, Kosrae was designated as a separate district from Pohnpei. The FSM Constitution was ratified in 1979 by Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap, which declared independence, while the remaining three districts chose to seek distinct political statuses. Significant rivalries exist between the islands, rooted in their varied histories and cultures. Chuuk, despite being the most populous state, is the least affluent and has advocated for secession, although a referendum on independence has been postponed multiple times.
Geography
Area
land
702 sq km
water
0 sq km (fresh water only)
total
702 sq km
Climate
tropical climate; substantial rainfall throughout the year, particularly in the eastern islands; positioned on the southern fringe of the typhoon belt, experiencing occasional severe impacts
Terrain
the islands exhibit a range of geological features from high, mountainous terrains to low coral atolls; volcanic formations are present on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Chuuk
Land use
other
0.7% (2023 est.)
forest
92.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
7.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 2.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 4.3% (2023 est.)
Location
Oceania, an archipelago situated in the North Pacific Ocean, approximately three-quarters of the distance from Hawaii to Indonesia
Coastline
6,112 km
Elevation
lowest point
Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point
Nanlaud on Pohnpei 782 m
Irrigated land
0 sq km (2022)
Map references
Oceania
Land boundaries
total
0 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea
12 nm
exclusive economic zone
200 nm
Natural hazards
typhoon season occurs from June to December
Geography - note
comprised of four principal island groups, amounting to a total of 607 islands
Natural resources
timber, marine resources, deep-seabed minerals, phosphate
Area - comparative
four times larger than Washington, D.C. (land area only)
Geographic coordinates
6 55 N, 158 15 E
Population distribution
the vast majority of the population resides in the coastal regions of the high islands; the mountainous interior remains predominantly uninhabited; fewer than half of the population is located in urban settings
People & Society
Languages
English (both the official and widely spoken language), Chuukese, Kosrean, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi
Religions
Roman Catholic 54.7%, Protestant 41.1% (which includes Congregational 38.5%, Baptist 1.1%, Seventh Day Adventist 0.8%, Assembly of God 0.7%), Church of Jesus Christ 1.5%, other 1.9%, none 0.7%, unspecified 0.1% (2010 estimate)
Sex ratio
at birth
1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years
1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years
0.94 male(s)/female
total population
0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
65 years and over
0.79 male(s)/female
Birth rate
17.55 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
4.23 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Median age
male
27.3 years
total
28.7 years (2025 est.)
female
29.1 years
Population
male
48,708
total
99,603 (2024 est.)
female
50,895
Nationality
noun
Micronesian(s)
adjective
Micronesian; Chuukese, Kosraen(s), Pohnpeian(s), Yapese
Urbanization
urban population
23.4% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
1.52% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years
27% (male 13,673/female 13,239)
15-64 years
67.3% (male 32,527/female 34,487)
65 years and over
5.7% (2024 est.) (male 2,508/female 3,169)
Ethnic groups
Chuukese/Mortlockese 49.3%, Pohnpeian 29.8%, Kosraean 6.3%, Yapese 5.7%, Yap outer islanders 5.1%, Polynesian 1.6%, Asian 1.4%, other 0.8% (2010 estimate)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio
48.6 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio
40.2 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio
11.8 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio
8.5 (2024 est.)
Physician density
0.97 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
11% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
1.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Net migration rate
-20.98 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Total fertility rate
2.17 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP)
11.6% of GDP (2020 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget)
18.6% national budget (2020 est.)
Infant mortality rate
male
23.8 deaths/1,000 live births
total
20.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
female
17.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Population growth rate
-0.77% (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.06 (2025 est.)
Population distribution
a significant portion of the population resides in coastal regions of the high islands; the interior, which is mountainous, remains largely uninhabited; fewer than half of the populace lives in urban settings
Life expectancy at birth
male
72.9 years
female
77.2 years
total population
75 years (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
129 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: total
total: 88.3% of population
Alcohol consumption per capita
beer
0.92 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine
0.13 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
total
1.59 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits
0.52 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols
0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Major urban areas - population
7,000 PALIKIR (capital) (2018)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
45.8% (2016)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
51.7% (2023 est.)
Environment
Climate
tropical; significant rainfall throughout the year, particularly in the eastern islands; situated at the southern boundary of the typhoon belt, experiencing sporadic severe impacts
Land use
other
0.7% (2023 est.)
forest
92.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
7.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 2.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 4.3% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
23.4% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
1.52% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually
26,000 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled
15.2% (2022 est.)
Environmental issues
overfishing; rising sea levels; contamination of water and toxic waste from mining activities; disposal of solid waste
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions
121,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids
121,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
8.1 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
International environmental agreements
party to
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change, Paris Agreement on Climate Change, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, Desertification, Hazardous Waste Management, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified
none of the selected agreements
Government
Flag
description: a light blue field featuring four five-pointed white stars that are centrally positioned and arranged in a diamond configuration
meaning: the blue symbolizes the Pacific Ocean, while the stars represent the four island groups of Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap
Capital
name
Palikir
time zone note
Micronesia operates under two distinct time zones
time difference
UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
geographic coordinates
6 55 N, 158 09 E
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Citizenship
citizenship by birth
no
citizenship by descent only
at least one parent must be a citizen of FSM
dual citizenship recognized
no
residency requirement for naturalization
5 years
Constitution
history
drafted in June 1975, ratified on 1 October 1978, and came into effect on 10 May 1979
amendment process
can be initiated by Congress, through a constitutional convention, or via public petition; for passage, it must receive the endorsement of at least three-fourths of the voting majority in a minimum of three-fourths of the states
Country name
former
New Philippines; Caroline Islands; Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Ponape, Truk, and Yap Districts
etymology
the term is a 19th-century creation derived from two Greek words, mikros (small) and nesoi (islands), referring to the numerous small islands located in the western Pacific Ocean
abbreviation
FSM
local long form
Federated States of Micronesia
local short form
none
conventional long form
Federated States of Micronesia
conventional short form
none
Independence
3 November 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)
Legal system
a hybrid legal system comprising both common and customary law
Government type
a federal republic in free association with the United States
Judicial branch
highest court(s)
Federated States of Micronesia Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and not more than 5 associate justices and organized into appellate and criminal divisions)
subordinate courts
the highest courts at the state level include: Chuuk Supreme Court; Korsae State Court; Pohnpei State Court; Yap State Court
judge selection and term of office
justices are appointed by the president of the FSM and require the consent of two-thirds of Congress; these justices serve for life
Executive branch
cabinet
Cabinet includes the vice president and the heads of the 8 executive departments
chief of state
President Wesley W. SIMINA (since 12 May 2023)
head of government
President Wesley W. SIMINA (since 12 May 2023)
most recent election date
12 May 2023
election/appointment process
president and vice president indirectly elected by Congress from among the 4 'at large' senators for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term)
expected date of next election
2027
National holiday
Constitution Day, 10 May (1979)
National color(s)
light blue, white
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites
1 (cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales
Nan Madol: Ceremonial Center of Eastern Micronesia
Political parties
no formal parties
Legislative branch
term in office
2 years
number of seats
14 (all directly elected)
electoral system
plurality/majority
legislature name
Congress
scope of elections
partial renewal
legislative structure
unicameral
most recent election date
3/4/2025
expected date of next election
March 2027
percentage of women in chamber
21.4%
National anthem(s)
title
"Patriots of Micronesia"
history
adopted 1991
lyrics/music
unknown
National symbol(s)
four five-pointed white stars on a light blue background, along with a hibiscus flower
Administrative divisions
consists of four states: Chuuk (Truk), Kosrae (Kosaie), Pohnpei (Ponape), and Yap
Diplomatic representation in the US
FAX
[1] (202) 223-4391
chancery
1725 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone
[1] (202) 223-4383
chief of mission
Ambassador Jackson T. SORAM (in office since 27 February 2024)
consulate(s) general
Honolulu, Portland (OR), Tamuning (Guam)
email address and website
[email protected]
https://fsmembassy.fm/
Diplomatic representation from the US
FAX
[691] 320-2186
embassy
1286 US Embassy Place, Kolonia, Pohnpei, FM 96941
telephone
[691] 320-2187
mailing address
4120 Kolonia Place, Washington, D.C. 20521-4120
chief of mission
Ambassador Jennifer L. JOHNSON (in office since 13 September 2023)
email address and website
[email protected]
https://fm.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IMF, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO, WMO
International law organization participation
has not made a declaration regarding ICJ jurisdiction; a non-party state to the ICCt
Economy
Budget
revenues
$137.795 million (2020 est.)
expenditures
$111.963 million (2020 est.)
Exports
Exports 2022
$90.466 million (2022 est.)
Exports 2023
$125.789 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2024
$129.5 million (2024 est.)
Imports
Imports 2022
$274.334 million (2022 est.)
Imports 2023
$310.669 million (2023 est.)
Imports 2024
$325.9 million (2024 est.)
Industries
tourism, construction; specialized aquaculture, handicrafts (shell and wood)
Public debt
Public debt 2020
27.8% of GDP (2020 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2021
6% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances 2022
5.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023
5.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
the US dollar is utilized
Economic overview
a lower middle-income economy in the Pacific islands; dependent on US aid, which is set to expire in 2024; limited entrepreneurial activity; predominantly reliant on fishing and agriculture; user of the US dollar; absence of patent laws; tourism sector remains underdeveloped; notable corruption issues
Exports - partners
Thailand 64%, China 16%, Philippines 11%, Japan 5%, Ecuador 1% (2023)
Imports - partners
USA 35%, China 20%, Japan 13%, Taiwan 6%, Philippines 4% (2023)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2022
$3,800 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023
$3,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2024
$3,800 (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2022
-2.9% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023
0.5% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2024
0.7% (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
coconuts, cassava, vegetables, sweet potatoes, bananas, pork, plantains, fruits, beef, eggs (2023)
Exports - commodities
fish, diamonds, garments (2023)
Imports - commodities
poultry, fish, plastic products, automobiles, processed meat (2023)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2014
$22.408 million (2014 est.)
Current account balance 2016
$11 million (2016 est.)
Current account balance 2017
$12 million (2017 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
7% (of GDP) (2020 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$471.425 million (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2020
0.6% (2020 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2021
3.2% (2021 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
5.4% (2022 est.)
Industrial production growth rate
0.8% (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$427.529 million (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$429.59 million (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$432.679 million (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2019
$397.158 million (2019 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2020
$451.913 million (2020 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021
$497.434 million (2021 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
industry
5% (2023 est.)
services
69.2% (2023 est.)
agriculture
23.3% (2023 est.)
Energy
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption
800 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity access
electrification - rural areas
79.4%
electrification - urban areas
98.6%
electrification - total population
85.3% (2022 est.)
Communications
Internet users
percent of population
41% (2022 est.)
Broadcast media
there are no television broadcast stations; every state is served by a multi-channel cable service that provides TV content comprising approximately 95% imported material and 5% local content; around six radio stations were operational in 2009.
Internet country code
.fm
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions
7,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
6 (2022 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions
22,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
19 (2021 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total
7,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
6 (2022 est.)
Transportation
Ports
large
0
small
1
medium
0
key ports
Colonia, Lele Harbor, Moen, Pohnpei Harbor
very small
3
total ports
4 (2024)
ports with oil terminals
3
Airports
7 (2025)
Merchant marine
total
38 (2023)
by type
general cargo 17, oil tanker 4, other 17
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
V6
Military & Security
Military - note
The responsibility for defense lies with the United States; in 1982, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) entered into a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the US. This agreement provided the FSM with financial support and access to various US domestic programs in return for exclusive military access and defense obligations from the US. The COFA became effective in 1986. Citizens of Micronesia are permitted to enlist in the US armed forces.
The FSM has established a "shiprider" agreement with the US, which permits local maritime law enforcement officers to board US Coast Guard (USCG) and US Navy (USN) vessels. This includes the authority to board and inspect ships suspected of infringing laws or regulations within the FSM's designated exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or on the high seas. Furthermore, these "shiprider" agreements allow USCG personnel and USN vessels that carry USCG law enforcement officials to collaborate with host nations to safeguard essential regional resources (2025).
Military and security forces
There are no military forces; the Federated States of Micronesia National Police includes a maritime component.
