In 1979 the Federated States of Micronesia, a UN Trust Territory under US administration, adopted a constitution. In 1986 independence was attained under a Compact of Free Association with the US, which was amended and renewed in 2004. Present concerns include large-scale unemployment, overfishing, and overdependence on US aid.
Population
107,154 (July 2010 est.)
Country comparison to the world:191
Nationality
Noun:Micronesian(s)
Adjective:Micronesian; Chuukese, Kosraen(s), Pohnpeian(s), Yapese
Ethnic groups
Chuukese 48.8%, Pohnpeian 24.2%, Kosraean 6.2%, Yapese 5.2%, Yap outer islands 4.5%, Asian 1.8%, Polynesian 1.5%, other 6.4%, unknown 1.4% (2000 census)
Religions
Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 47%, other 3%
Languages
English (official and common language), Chuukese, Kosrean, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi
Country Name
Conventional long form:Federated States of Micronesia
Conventional short form:none
Local long form: Federated States of Micronesia
Local short form:none
Former:Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Ponape, Truk, and Yap Districts
abbreviation: FSM
Government Type
constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force on 3 November 1986 and the Amended Compact entered into force in May 2004
Capital
Name:Palikir
Geographic coordinates:6 55 N, 158 09 E
Time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Administrative divisions
4 states; Chuuk (Truk), Kosrae (Kosaie), Pohnpei (Ponape), Yap
Independence
3 November 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)
National Holiday
Constitution Day, 10 May (1979)
Constitution
10 May 1979
Legal system
based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
Chief of state:President Emanuel MORI (since 11 May 2007); Vice President Alik L. ALIK (since 11 May 2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
Head of government:President Emanuel MORI (since 11 May 2007); Vice President Alik L. ALIK (since 11 May 2007)
Cabinet:Cabinet includes the vice president and the heads of the 8 executive departments
(For more information visit the World Leaders website)
Elections:president and vice president elected by Congress from among the four senators at large for a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 11 May 2007 (next to be held in May 2011); note - a proposed constitutional amendment to establish popular elections for president and vice president failed
Election results:Emanuel MORI elected president; percent of Congress vote - NA; Alik L. ALIK elected vice president; percent of Congress vote - NA
Legislative branch
unicameral Congress (14 seats; 4 - one elected from each state to serve four-year terms and 10 - elected from single-member districts delineated by population to serve two-year terms; members elected by popular vote)
Elections:last held on 3 March 2009 (next to be held in March 2011)
Election results:percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 14
Judicial branch
Supreme Court
Political Parties and Leaders
no formal parties
Political pressure groups and leaders
NA
International organization participation
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IMF, IOC, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO, WMO
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission:Ambassador Yosiwo GEORGE
Chancery:1725 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: [1] (202) 223-4383
FAX: [1] (202) 223-4391
Consulate(s) general:Honolulu, Tamuning (Guam)
Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission:Ambassador Miriam K. HUGHES
Embassy:101 Upper Pics Road, Kolonia
Mailing address: P. O. Box 1286, Kolonia, Pohnpei, 96941
Telephone: [691] 320-2187
FAX: [691] 320-2186
Flag description
light blue with four white five-pointed stars centered; the stars are arranged in a diamond pattern
