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The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is a grouping of 607 small islands in the Western Pacific about 2,500 miles southwest of Hawaii, lying just above the Equator. Generally speaking, FSM comprises what is known as the Eastern and Western Caroline Islands. While the country's total land area amounts to only 270.8 square miles, it occupies more than one million square miles of the Pacific Ocean, and ranges 1,700 miles from East (Kosrae) to West (Yap). Each of the four States centers around one or more "high islands," and all but Kosrae include numerous atolls.

- Chuuk State has a total land area of 49.2 square miles and includes seven major island groups.
- Pohnpei State has 133.4 square miles of land area, of which 130 is accounted for by Pohnpei island, the largest in FSM.
- Yap State is made up of 4 large islands, 7 small islands and 134 atolls, with a total land area of 45.6 square miles.
- Kosrae is essentially one high island of 42.3 square miles.


The islands of the FSM are the result of volcanic activity millions of years ago resulting in islands and atolls of incredible variety. Some are tips of mountain peaks thrust above the surface and now surrounded by fringing reefs. Others are atolls -- islands that have sunk beneath the surface, leaving a ring of coral barrier reef and tiny island islets encircling a coral and sand lagoon. And, still others, are mixtures of atolls and high rigged islands within a lagoon.

Destinations:

Chuuk
Chuuk (formerly Truk) is colourful, lively and rough around the edges. It comprises 15 main islands, 92 outer islands and over 80 islets in the Chuuk Lagoon. Its biggest drawing cards are its sunken wrecks, a boon for serious divers. A whole Japanese fleet rests on the lagoon floor, evidence of the largest naval loss in history. Each wreck is a time capsule - some are upright, some intact, some in pieces. The holds are full of guns and trucks and fighter planes, the dining areas are littered with dishes, silverware and sake bottles, and the skeletal remains of the perished crews lie 'buried' at sea.

Kosrae
Kosrae is one of the least spoiled and least developed areas in the Federated States, a laid-back place with an air of innocence. The main island is volcanic with an interior of uncharted rainforests, a pristine fringing reef and a coast that is a mix of sandy beaches and mangrove swamps.

The people are casual and, given that it's unusual to have more than about a dozen visitors at a time on the island, the residents still take a friendly interest when someone new is in town.

Impressive ruins on the connected island of Lelu date from around the 14th century. Though the outskirts of the massive royal city have been torn down, the remaining ruins still give the feeling of being in an ancient, hidden city.

Kosrae has unspoiled coral reefs close to shore that are suitable for both walk-in and boat diving. Underwater visibility can easily be 30m (100ft), and in summer as much as 60m (200ft). The Blue Hole in Lelu harbours coral heads, lionfish, stingrays and barracuda.

Pohnpei
Pohnpei, with its lush vegetation, jungle hillsides and flowering hibiscus, fits the typical South Sea island image, albeit a wet one. The main island is the largest in the Federated States of Micronesia, and is roughly circular in shape, edged with coves and jutting peninsulas.

The coastline is mainly tidal flats and mangrove flats, but there are dozens of small islands with lovely beaches in the lagoon between Pohnpei Island and the surrounding reef.

The ancient stone city of Nan Madol is the Federated State's best-known archaeological site. Nan Madol was built from stacked basalt pillars during the tyrannical Saudeleur dynasty, which peaked in the 13th century. Although many of Nan Madol's temples, vaults, bathing areas and pools have collapsed, the site still has immense dramatic impact.

The main town of Kolonia is relatively large by island standards, yet it retains a small-town character. Palikir, 8km (5mi) away, is the capital of the Federated States of Micronesia.

Yap
Yap is the most traditional district in the Federated States of Micronesia. Yap proper consists of four islands - Yap, Tomil-Gagil, Map and Rumung. Unlike other high islands in the country that are volcanic in origin, Yap was formed by land upheavals of the Asian continental shelf.

Consequently, the landscape is more rolling hills and dales than mountain peaks and plunging valleys. The island's communities are connected by centuries-old stone footpaths, and village houses are still built in the elaborate, traditional style with wood, thatch, rope and bamboo. It's a society where the caste system survives and where village chiefs still have as much clout as elected public officials. Note that the Yapese are offended by tourists who brazenly point cameras at them, though they are receptive to travellers who respect their customs and culture.

Culture

The people of the FSM are culturally and linguistically Micronesian, with a small number of Polynesians living primarily on Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi atolls of Pohnpei State. The influence of European and Japanese contacts is also seen.

It can be said that each of the four States exhibits its own distinct culture and tradition, but there are also common cultural and economic bonds that are centuries old. For example, cultural similarities are evidenced in the importance of the traditional extended family and clan systems found on each island.

Although united as a country, the people are actually a heterogeneous mixture with different customs and traditions bound together by recent history and common aspirations. The cultural diversity is typified by the existence of eight major indigenous languages, and its peoples continue to maintain strong traditions, folklore and legends.

The four states of the FSM are separated by large expanses of water. Prior to Western contact, this isolation led to the development of unique traditions, customs and language on each of the islands.

English is the official language, and there are eight major indigenous languages of the Malayo-Polynesian linguistic family spoken in the FSM: Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaian, Chuukese, Pohnpeian, Kosraean, Nukuoro, and Kapingamarangi.

There is a rich oral history. Part of this history is a unique musical heritage. The traditional music is carried forward from generation to generation, although upon tuning into the local radio station the visitor is far more likely to hear the distinctive sounds of Micronesian pop music, which has also developed its own character from state to state. Influenced obviously by traditional music, the FSM's pop music also draws from influences as diverse as American country and western, reggae, and modern europop.

Religion is predominantly Christian, divided between Roman Catholic and Protestant -other churches include Latter-Day Saints, Seventh-Day Adventist, Assembly of God, Jehovah's Witnesses, and the Baha'i Faith.

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