The Federated States of Micronesia boast some of the
clearest-blue seas you’ll ever see, with white, crumbly sand shores. In islands like Chuuk are shallow and
vast lagoons of monumental beauty, filled with
shipwrecks and kaleidoscopic
corals. The islands are a
paradise for
divers, and many argue that the area’s diving and
snorkeling ranks among the best in the world.
The Micronesians combine a profusion of languages,
customs and
folklore. On the island of
Yap, islanders still trade using
the
ancient stone currency. Micronesians may still be glimpsed in
traditional garments. Throughout, you are likely to stumble across snatches of unique island
music and witness zesty, time-honored
dances.
The area became a US-administered Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands in 1947. This followed
colonization by the Portuguese, Spanish, Germans and Japanese. In 1986, the Federated States signed a Compact of Free Association with the USA, allowing for near-independence with US defense support.
The islands suffer from remoteness and lack of industry and infrastructure. There is development potential, but as yet Micronesia remains dependent on US aid. Tourism is one industry that could potentially boost the island’s fiscal situation. However, even if tourism takes off, with over
600 islands to this country’s name, finding some
desert island bliss of your own here shouldn’t be hard.
GeographyThe Federated States of Micronesia lie 3,680km (2,300 miles) north of Australia and 4,000km (2,500 miles) west of Hawaii. They comprise 607 islands scattered over 1.6 million sq km (617,761 sq miles), the most widely spread Pacific Islands group. Yap’s uplands are covered by dry meadows and scrub growth. Chuuk lagoon is circled by one of the largest barrier reefs in the world, while Pohnpei has mountains rising to over 600m (2,000ft).
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