The Federated States of Micronesia form of government. Micronesia - Federated States of Micronesia

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» Truk, Federated States of Micronesia

There is nothing cooler than an evening on a good Micronesian island: with white sand, almost even without the usual marine debris, with palm trees with coconuts removed so that a tourist does not fly over the head, with beautiful sunset promising tomorrow's adventures. The repellent does not cope well with mosquitoes, but this is not visible in the photo.

Mornings are even more beautiful. We are divers in a diving hotel in one of the most important dive sites.

A good Micronesian island of the day is Truk, until 1944 the largest naval base of the Japanese in the South Pacific, and now the world's mecca for diving to sunken ships and aircraft.

Truk

From a dive hotel with a closed area with grass and palm trees, you can and should only go to the sea, but we take a car and drive around Truk, and Truk is absolutely beautiful.

Independent since 1986, but the postal code system is still American:

On the shield on the left is the heavenly Truk, which is in the heads and hearts (it is worth noting the marked asphalt roads, the garbage removed and the mowed lawn. Nobody drinks), on the right is Truk, our days:

The real deal is this: Truk is not an island, but a lagoon in which several islands are approximately the same size. We are not going around Truk, but around Weno - an island with an airport, all business and tourists. Veno - and the island, and the city, and the capital of the state, and the village, gradually turning into each other.

Veno

The main road:

Veno fights for the title of the owner of the worst main road around the island in Micronesia, but loses the main one: there are an insane number of holes on Tarawa and you drive nervously like a grater, on Truk the holes have already merged into a single semi-flooded kind of channels and the ride has become calmer.

The main road narrowed, how to miss school bus american style?

The jungle is gradually digesting the machines and units that have not coped with the Truk road:

But in much better condition.

Village.

A man walking towards him with an empty bucket, as it were, hints:

Good-natured locals hang out. Good nature ends with sunset: Truk is the most dangerous, most vile place. Micronesians have the same problems with alcohol as some of the aboriginal peoples, the Indians, the inhabitants of northern Siberia, but alcohol is not limited by anything other than church propaganda, and by the evening fights begin, robbery of wealthy strangers or worse.

Buried in the yard, if the site allows:

The young man stands under a canopy and hides his hands:

Stretched fiber-optic communication line:

The young man was carrying coconuts, got tired and sat down:

The girls are posing

Soft borders:

There are very few historical houses of European and Japanese colonists left, but they are insanely beautiful:

Here are the churches, as in everywhere, in large numbers and in perfect order:

Turtle over the gate - straight from pre-European history, when public halyards were decorated with something cool, like drawings (or skeletons) of useful marine inhabitants. Actually, the churches of our time usually stand on the site of the temples demolished by the first missionaries.

Sometimes the main road emerges from the jungle village and winds along the crystal turquoise waters of the lagoon.

So that the diver does not forget why this is all for him, every license plate, T-shirt and souvenir reminds:

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is a state on 607 islands in the largest ocean southeast of the Philippines, stretching north of the equator for 2700 km. It occupies the central and eastern parts of the Caroline Islands ( West Side belongs to Palau), as well as the atoll of Kapingamarangi.

Geography

Only 40 of the islands are of considerable size, the rest are small islets and coral atolls. Only 65 islands are inhabited. In terms of island area (702 km 2), the Federated States of Micronesia is one of the smallest states in the world.
The FSM is represented by four states, formed according to a single principle: each consists of one or more big islands of volcanic origin and includes numerous atolls (the only exception is the state of Kosrae, whose territory does not include atolls). Large islands (they are called "high" here) are in the ring of coral reefs. They are mountainous, they are covered with forest thickets. Small islands are represented by atolls: ring-shaped coral islands with a shallow lagoon.
The FSM is dominated by an equatorial climate, and the temperature here is around 30°C all year round. In this part of the Pacific Ocean, there is an area where typhoons originate: an average of 25 typhoons, sometimes catastrophic, with destructive hurricane winds at a speed of 240 km / h, pass through the FSM islands per year.

Nature

Nature has generously endowed the islands of this part of Micronesia, unlike many neighboring ones: evergreen tropical forests grow on fertile volcanic soil, savannahs occupy part of the land, coconut palm, pandanus, breadfruit and bananas predominate on large coral islands, mangroves stretch along the coast. Numerous rivers run down the slopes of the mountains, fed by abundant rainfall: on the island of Pohnpei, for example, about 300 rainy days in a year.

Story

The ancestors of the current inhabitants of the Federated States of Micronesia settled the islands more than 4 thousand years ago. Before the advent of Europeans, a special hierarchy with leaders and a caste society developed here. Evidence of existence ancient civilization is " dead city» Nan Madol, built on monumental coral platforms lined with basalt slabs. On the platforms stood residential buildings and temples. This civilization had declined even before the arrival of the Europeans, who discovered a society here in which money was in circulation in the form of large stone disks with a hole in the center.
The Portuguese were the first representatives of the Old World to set foot on the coast of the islands in the 16th century. Following them, the Spaniards appeared here - in the 17th century. they declared the islands their possessions, but did not receive actual control over the territories. In 1898, after losing the war with the United States, Spain sold the islands to Germany.
During the First World War in 1914, the islands were occupied by Japan, which engaged in the forced assimilation of the islanders, which affected their appearance, language and names. After the war, the territories of the future state remained under the control of Japan.
During the Second World War, bloody battles were fought on the islands between American and Japanese troops. In 1945, the Japanese were expelled from Micronesia, the archipelago came under US control.
For a long time, the islands were controlled by the US military administration, until the independent Federated States of Micronesia were proclaimed in 1986.
The Federated States of Micronesia is an archipelago of low coral islands and higher volcanic ones, with mountainous central parts. Volcanic islands are surrounded by lagoons, separated from the ocean by coral barrier reefs of dozens of small islands. There are passages in the reefs through which ocean-going ships approach large islands.
The population of the island republic is almost entirely represented by the peoples of the Pacific Islands. A small proportion of the population are descendants of those born from marriages between Japanese and Micronesians during the Japanese occupation of the islands. The assimilation of the islanders by the Japanese was carried out so categorically that many older people on the islands still speak Japanese.
The traditions and customs of the peoples of the FSM are almost the same on all the islands. Here, they still build houses of local pillar construction without walls, the function of which is performed by gable roofs to the ground, covered palm leaves or mats. In addition, the Micronesians preserved the ancient technology of making wooden boats without a single metal nail. Leaders play the same important role in the life of the community, as in the old days. The ancient rhodo-clan system has been preserved in the villages, and on some islands even the custom of wearing loincloths and skirts made of plant fibers has remained.
Intensive contacts with Western world in recent decades, they have changed the mentality of the young generation of FSM citizens, who are no longer guided by traditional values, but strive to join the achievements of Western civilization.
Despite the fact that the Federated States of Micronesia formally gained independence in 1986, they retained the status of "free association with the United States." Thus, the United States is obliged to provide for the defense of the state, and the FSM economy is largely dependent on American economic assistance. The agreement on "free association" with the United States allows citizens of the country to choose a place of residence within the United States, which they actively use when leaving a country that is experiencing serious difficulties.
The country's main problems remain high unemployment, declining fish catches and high degree dependent on American aid. The country does not even have its own currency, which is now being replaced by the US dollar.
The economy of the Federated States of Micronesia, which has no significant mineral resources other than phosphate, is based primarily on agriculture and fishing. Europeans and Asians brought citrus fruits, cassava, sweet potato, various tropical fruit trees, chocolate tree, black pepper to the islands. Local residents clear small areas of forest for plantations. In addition to fishing, which caused significant damage to the ichthyofauna of the islands, the population also collects mollusks and crustaceans on the reef.
Recently, the role of tourism has increased, and an increasing number of islanders are involved in the service sector (for example, in the manufacture of traditional souvenirs). The remoteness of the islands hinders the development of tourism, but the number of people who come to see the beauty of the islands and the "dead city" of Nan Mandol, which has received the fame of the "Venice of the Pacific", is constantly growing.

general information

Official name

Administrative composition: 4 states (Kosrae State - Kosrae Island; Pohnpei State - Pohnpei, Ant, Pakin, Oroluk, Mokip, Pingelap, Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi Atolls; Chuuk State - Namonuito, Namoluk, Laol, Peace, Talap, Pular, Puluwat, Kuop, Nama, Losap, Mortlock, Chuuk Islands; Yap State - Yap, Maap, Rumung, Gagil-Tamil Islands).

Origin of the islands: volcanic, coral.

Administrative center: Palikir city (Pohnpei island) - 7000 people. (2009).

Languages: English (official), Chuukese, Kosrae, Pontpei, Japanese, Ulitian, Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi.

Ethnic composition: Chuuk, Ponape, Kosrae, Yap, Yap of the outer islands, Asians, Polynesians.

Religions: Catholicism, Protestantism.

Currency unit: U.S. dollar.
The most important port: Colonna (Palikir, Pohnpei island).

Major airports: Pohnpei International Airports, Chuuk (Chuuk Island), Kosrae (Kosrae Island), Yap (Yap Island).
Neighboring countries and territories: in the southeast -, in the southwest -, in the north - Guam and Northern, in the east - Nauru and Marshall Islands, in the west - Palau and.

Numbers

Number of islands: 607.

Population: 106,104 (2013).
Population density: 151.1 people / km 2.
Urban population: 23% (2010).
highest point: Mount Dolomvar (791 m), according to other sources - Mount Nana Laud (Pohnpei Island, 798 m).

Climate and weather

Two seasons: dry (January - March) and wet (April - December).

Direction of the wind: from November to December - northeast trade winds, the rest of the year - southwest monsoons.

Average annual temperature: +26-33°С.

Average annual rainfall: from 2250 mm to 3000-6000 mm (in the mountains on the island of Kusaie).
Relative humidity: 75%.
Frequent destructive typhoons (June to December).

Economy

GDP: $310 million (2011), per capita $3,000 (2011)

Minerals: phosphates.

Agriculture: crop production (citrus, cassava, sweet potato, various tropical fruit trees, chocolate tree, black pepper), animal husbandry (poultry, pig).

Industry: food (fish canning).

Fishing (tuna).

traditional crafts.

Service sector: tourist, trade.

Attractions

Curious facts

■ Since the XVIII century. the islands of Micronesia began to be visited by trade and scientific Russian ships. In 1828, the Russian navigator, geographer and admiral F.P. Litke (1797-1882) discovered the islands of Ponape (Pohnpei), Ant and Pakin and named them in honor of Admiral D.N. Senyavin - Senyavin Islands.
■ Under the terms of the “Free Association” Agreement, the US contributed $1.3 billion to the FSM between 1986 and 2001. Then the amount of annual assistance was reduced, but constant multimillion-dollar cash receipts from the United States were promised until 2023.
■ Micronesia - the general name of groups of small islands in Oceania, in the western part of the Pacific Ocean, north of the equator, there are about 1,500 islands in total. The name "Micronesia" literally translates from ancient Greek as "small island".

They are located in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, just north of New Guinea, and are part of the Caroline Islands archipelago. The country belongs to the geographical region of Oceania and has an independent status, but at the same time fulfills the role of an Associated State in alliance with the United States of America, largely dependent on their economic assistance.

Peculiarities

The Federated States of Micronesia is made up of 607 islands of varying shapes and sizes, some of which are interconnected by causeways or bridges. At the same time, only 65 islands of the archipelago are inhabited, and a significant part of the territory is privately owned. The main activities of the islanders are agriculture, fishing, animal husbandry and the production of wooden ships. tourist destination is poorly developed here, due to its remoteness from outside world and limited financial resources. The largest islands are of volcanic origin and abound in mountainous elevations, the surface of which is covered with dense forests. All land areas are surrounded by coral reefs and atolls. Undersea world extremely rich and varied. The forests are home to many rare animals and mammals. Staying in Micronesia, you should take into account the peculiarities of the local culture and try to follow the generally accepted norms of behavior. In particular, the islanders do not like to be photographed or filmed, although due to their mentality they are very sociable and always hospitable towards foreigners.

general information

The main religions in the archipelago are Catholicism and Protestantism. The area of ​​the territory is just over 700 square meters. km. The population is about 110,000 people. The official language is English, although there are several other local dialects besides it. The main currency on the islands is the US dollar. Time zone +10. Local time ahead of Moscow by 7 hours. Telephone code countries +691.

A brief excursion into history

The first Micronesian settlements began to appear here about 2000 BC, and locals divided into different social groups that had an unequal status. Civilization came here in 1527, when the first Spanish ships appeared in the coastal waters of the Caroline Islands. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, Germany bought these lands from the Spaniards. During the First World War, the islands were captured by the Japanese, who organized sugar cane plantations here. A few decades later, after the end of World War II, the Americans occupied the archipelago, and in 1986 the Federated States of Micronesia gained the status of a sovereign state in free association with the United States, while the latter took on the burden of providing security and financing the FSM.

Climate

This Pacific region is dominated by an equatorial and subequatorial climate with slight seasonal fluctuations. During the whole year average temperature air on the islands fluctuates between +25 to +35 degrees, it often rains. From August to December, typhoons with strong hurricane-force winds hit the territory of Micronesia. The largest part of the precipitation falls on April, when it is poured like a solid wall. tropical showers. The most acceptable time of the year to visit the FSF are the periods from January to March and from the second half of May to July, when the probability of natural disasters is minimized.

Visa and customs regulations

When visiting the country for a period of less than 1 month, a visa is not required. At the same time, each state is considered separately and the period of 30 days is counted again from the moment of crossing the border of any of the 4 administrative territories. All 4 states have a customs border on which generally accepted customs standards apply regarding the transport of certain goods. There is no Russian embassy in Micronesia, and the nearest one is in the Philippines.

How to get there

Each of the FSR states has its own international Airport, and Yap Island has a deep water port that regularly receives large ocean liners. There is no direct air connection with the CIS countries, so you can get to the archipelago by air either from Japanese Tokyo or from Philippine Manila. There are also flights from Hawaiian Islands(Honolulu airport) and the island of Guam, also belonging to the United States.

Transport

Inside the country, private buses and taxis are actively used as the main means of transportation. Public transport missing here. There are regular ferry services between the islands. If you wish, you should rent a car, especially since the prices for such services are quite moderate.

The most interesting

FSM is administratively divided into 4 states: Chuuk, Kusaiye, Pohnpei and Yap. Each of them has several islands and atolls, while having its own administrative center. The most populous state is Chuuk. It is home to over 53,000 islanders. The capital of Chuuk is the city-island of Weno, which has its own airport, several hotels and excellent conditions for diving. The state of Pohnpei hosts the capital of the whole country, the city of Palikar, with a population of about 20,000 people. It is located on the island of Pohnpei, which is part of the state of the same name. This piece of land is considered one of the wettest on the planet. More than 7600 mm of precipitation falls here annually. The surface of the island is full of an abundance of coconut palms and pandanus, and mangroves grow along the coast. Not far from Palikar is the city of Kolonia, which has a developed tourist infrastructure, including hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues. The ruins are the main attraction of Pohnpei ancient city Nan Madol, relating to the origins of the megalithic culture. The third state of the country, Kusaiye, includes several land areas, including the island of the same name with the local capital Tofol, geographically considered the most eastern point Caroline Archipelago, near Hawaii. The fourth state of the country, Yap, consists of 4 major islands, 7 small and several dozen atolls. It is known for its distinctive culture and ancient traditions. In addition, the local lagoons are distinguished by excellent conditions for scuba diving, and island shores ideal for hiking and admiring the ocean landscapes.

The main advantage of the Federated States of Micronesia is their magnificent natural landscapes and ocean expanses, so revered by numerous diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. To get acquainted with the underwater beauties of the local atolls and coral reefs, here you can use any island or a tiny piece of land by going there by boat or boat. On the island of Veno, Mount Tonachau attracts attention with a picturesque waterfall and ancient petroglyphs on the walls of mysterious rock caves. In addition, there are fragments military equipment and the bunkers of Japanese soldiers who took refuge on the island during World War II. Since then, a lighthouse has also been rising on the coast, with a observation deck. The original traditions and culture of Micronesia are best represented on Yap Island, where you can see the ancient stone money of the islanders and enjoy the dances of local beauties dressed in national costumes. On the islands of the state of Kusai, in the thickets of the tropical forest, you can see traces of the stay of ancient civilizations, including fragments of the temple of the goddess Sinlaku and the ruins of Menka, partially surviving to this day, with medicinal plants growing along them.

In the state of Chuuk, a real find for diving enthusiasts is the unique Truk lagoon, which is a free underwater museum, where instead of traditional shining halls, fans of deep-sea diving are offered a real sandy battlefield, dotted with the remains of guns, aircraft and ships sunk during the battles of World War II. war. All along coastline Pohnpei Island, there is a ring highway, which makes it easy to get to its most picturesque places. Here, first of all, Mount Nana Laud is remarkable, the height of which reaches 800 meters. From it originate several dozen rivers that cut the island territory. There are many waterfalls along them, the most famous of which are Keprokhi, Sauvartik and Lidudunlap. These places are recommended for lovers of eco-tourism, especially since comfortable campsites are equipped right in the middle of wild natural landscapes, allowing travelers to have a good rest and relax. Like all other regions of the archipelago, Pohnpei is rich in wildlife, and in the local waters among the vegetation you can see anemones, soft, hard and fire corals. As you dive, you will often encounter common Pacific marine life such as sharks, manta rays, sea turtles and all sorts of tropical fish. During the year, the islanders celebrate several national holidays. They are held very cheerfully and solemnly, so being in the country on one of these days, you should definitely feel in such an event in order to feel the culture and traditions of this amazing people.

The Federated States of Micronesia is one of the most remote and therefore attractive countries in the world. It has a lot of advantages and even though it is not popular tourist mecca of a planetary scale, arouses genuine interest among travel lovers and serves as an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the distant and mysterious shores lost in the boundless waters of the Pacific Ocean.

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