Located in the greater region of Micronesia, itself a subregion of Oceana, the Federated States of Micronesia is a U.S.-associated independent republic consisting of four states: Pohnpei, Yap, Kosrae, and Chuuk. Together, these states comprise over 600 islands. The capital city of Micronesia is Palikir on Pohnpei island with a population of 7,000.
While occupying a relatively small land area, the Federated States of Micronesia does however own more than 1,000,000 square miles of the Pacific Ocean. This makes the Federated States of Micronesia the 14th largest Exclusive Economic Zone in the world.
Demographics
The estimated ethnic composition of Micronesia is:
- 48.8% Chuukese
- 24.2% Pohnpeian
- 6.2% Kosraean
- 5.2% Yapese
- 4.5% Outer Yapese
- 1.8% Asian
- 1.5% Polynesian
- 6.4% Other
- 1.4% Unknown
Almost 100% of the population is made up of Pacific Islanders and Asians. A small yet sizable minority also have some Japanese ancestry. This is likey as a result of Japanese and Micronesian settlers marrying during the Japanese colonial period in the early 20th century.
Since the 1990s, there has been a growing population of European, Australian, American, Chinese and Philippine expatriates.
During the time of Japanese ownership, the Japanese population throughout Micronesia grew to over 100,000, far surpassing the indigenous population’s roughly 40,000. Post war, the prosperity seen during the Japanese civil administration came to an abrupt end.
At least 6.4% of the country is made up of expatriates coming from the United States, Australia, and European countries, and tourism has been cited as the countries greatest source of income.
Outside the main capital towns of the four states, local languages are more prevalently used. English is, however, the national language of the country, and it's used wholly in the government and in secondary and tertiary education.
History
It's believed that the ancestors of the Micronesians settled on these lands over four thousand years ago. This eventually evolved over time to become a more centralized economic and religious culture on Yap Island.
Portugese explorers out searching for the Spice Islands, followed shortly after by the Spanish, were the first Europeans to reach the area in the sixteenth century. After becoming incorporated into the Spanish East Indies, the region then saw its way into German hands at the turn of the 20th Century.
During WWI, it was lost by Germany to the Japanese, and was used as a significant naval base during WWII. Following WWII it moved into American hands, and 32 years later in 1979 officially became the Federated States of Micronesia. Palau, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Marshall Islands opted not to participate.
Population Growth
The population of the Federated States of Micronesia has seen a steady rise since 1950, more than tripling from 32,000 to 106,900 in 2019. This steady increase is expected to continue with an estimated extra 22,000 people in the next 70 years.
Micronesia – or officially the Federated States of Micronesia – is a sovereign state located in Oceania. This independent republic is associated with the United States. Micronesia is made up of four different states: Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap. Throughout these states, there are over 600 islands which make up about 271 square miles of land. The last estimated population of Micronesia was 104,937. Looking at the population and the land area shows that the density is relatively low at about 409.5 people per square mile.
Micronesia was once part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. However, it formed a constitution government in 1979. It gained independence in 1986. Today, Micronesia is a member of the Pacific Community and the United Nations.
The capital of Micronesia is Palikir. This town is located in the municipality of Sokehs. Palikir only has a population of around 4,600. The most populous town is Weno. Weno is part of Chuuk State and has a population of 13,856 based on data from the last census taken in 2010.
One of the most unique things about Micronesia is that despite its small land area, it takes up more than 1 million square miles of the Pacific Ocean, which gives it one of the largest Exclusive Economic Zones in the world.
Almost the entire population is made up of Pacific Islanders and Asians. The largest ethnic group is the Chuukese, which make up nearly half of the total population. English is the official language of Micronesia, but it is not the only language spoken. Some inhabitants speak other languages including Puluwatese, Mortlockese, Ulithian, and Chuukese.
Most Micronesians follow some form of Christianity. On Kosrae, most inhabitants are Protestant. On Chuuk and Yap, the majority are Catholic. Pohnpei’s population is evenly divided between Catholics and Protestants.