Micronesia

Quick Facts

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Capital

Palikir

Population

108,000

Government

Constitutional Government in free association with the USA

Religions

Christianity (Catholic, Protestant)

Languages

English (national), Ulithian, Woleaian, Yapese, Pohnpeian, Kosraean, and Chuukese

Calling Code

+691

Currency

US dollar (USD)

Time zone

Yap/Chuuk: UTC+10 , Pohnpei/Kosrae: UTC+11

Nationality

Micronesian

Introduction

Kapingamarangi Atoll

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Stretching from the north of Papua New Guinea to the Marshall islands almost 1600 kms away, the Federated States of Micronesia take up a good portion of the North Pacific. Due to its tiny landmass though, it is often hard to spot on world maps. Nevertheless, it is worthy of a visit for the intrepid traveller.

Visitors to Micronesia can enjoy spectacular diving, for example the many underwater wrecks in Chuuk. The ruins of Nan Madol in Pohnpei are also worth the trip, providing a fascinating view back to the 13th century Saudeleur dynasty who ruled there. Or if all you want to do is wind down, find a nice atoll and bask in the sunlight. It's the kind of place where you pack your watch away and forget about time for a while. Don't forget the sunscreen though.

Brief History

Geography

Regions

There are 4 states in the federation.

• Yap
• Chuuk
• Pohnpei
• Kosrae

Cities

• Weno (Chuuk)
• Tofol (Kosrae)
• Kolonia (Pohnpei)
• Colonia (Yap)

Sights and Activities

• Nan Madol is a fascinating archaeological site on the island of Pohnpei. It's an ancient city built on numerous small artificial islands, earning it the nickname Venice of the Pacific. It was the capital of the Saudeleur dynasty until roughly 1500 AD. Construction of the islets is estimated to date back to the 8th or 9th century.
• Scuba Diving is a major drawcard throughout Micronesia. Chuuk is the highlight for wreck divers, where a Japanese fleet sunk by Americans during WWII can be explored.
• Snorkelling is a good alternative for those without their diving licenses. There are numerous good places to snorkel throughout Micronesia.
• Surfing. Once a relatively secret destination for surfers, Pohnpei has taken off in recent years thanks to a new surf camp opened by a Brazilian expat in 2004.
• Yapese Stone Money are large carved limestone coins, with a hole used for transportation. The coins aren't legal international currency, but are still used as legal tender in Yap.
• Pohnpei's Waterfalls are a good place to cool down on a hot day. Access isn't particularly easy, but some of the drops are quite spectacular.

Events and Festivals

• Yap Day - March 01
• Pohnpei Cultural Day - March 31
• FSM Constitution Day - May 10
• FSM Independence Day - November 3
• FSM Veterans of Foreign War - November 11

Weather

The climate in Micronesia is tropical, with temperatures relatively even at about 80 °F throughout the year.

Rainfall varies from island to island. It is however worth noting that the island of Pohnpei is considered one of the wettest places on Earth, with an average rainfall in excess of 400 inches/year. ^[1] It is in fact unusual to have a dry day on Pohnpei.

Getting there

By Plane

Continental Micronesia^[2] provides flights from Guam and Honolulu, touching down in Kosrae, Pohnpei, Yap and Chuuk several times a week.

Departure taxes are $10 in Pohnpei and Kosrae and $15 in Chuuk. Yap doesn't have departure taxes.

By Boat

There are no regular boat services coming into Micronesia. The most likely reason to arrive in Micronesia by boat is if you own your own yacht.

Getting around

By Plane

Flights between the main islands Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae and Yap are possible with Continental Micronesia. Caroline Island Air also provides some inter-island air services in the states of Chuuk and Pohnpei. Pacific Missionary Aviation services Yap and its outer islands.

By Boat

Irregular boat services run between the main islands and outlying atolls. It is not uncommon for these boats to only run once every few months, depending on whether or not the boats are in a good state of repair.

By Car

Cars drive on the right in Micronesia. Interestingly though, many of the cars on the road also have the driver's seat on the right. Conditions on Micronesian roads are generally very poor and driver education leaves a lot to be desired. It is not uncommon for cars to stop suddenly in front of you to take on passengers or for pedestrians to practically leap in front of the car. Fortunately, speed limits are very low (40km/h on Pohnpei), keeping a reasonable level of safety. Nonetheless, drivers are well advised to be alert at all times.

Taxis are abundant in the main population centres and provide a cheap way of getting around.

By Bike

Bicycles can be a very convenient way to get around due to the relatively slow traffic and small distances. Some hotels may be able to provide a bicycle for your use. Alternatively, buying a cheap one for use while there may be an option.

By Bus

Red Tape

Money

Due to its strong ties with the US, Micronesia uses the US dollar as its currency.

Tipping is not culturally accepted and is discouraged.

Work

Study

Language

English is the national language throughout Micronesia and is widely spoken in the capital cities. In more remote areas, English is less common.

Indigenous languages spoken on the various islands include Trukese, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Kosrean, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoran and Kapingan.

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

All the states have good Government hospitals in the main cities. Dental services and private health clinics can be found throughout the islands. It is not unusual or doctors and hospitals to ask for cash payment for health services.

Scuba divers should be aware that there are only three decompression chambers in the Federated States (Yap, Pohnpei and Chuuk). Their availability varies and there is very little experience in treating dive injuries.

Yellow fever certificates and Cholera vaccinations are required by anyone arriving from infected countries. Vaccinations against Typhoid and Polio are advised and Hepatitis A is present. It is always recommended to contact a doctor for the latest recommendations on vaccinations before travelling.

Emergency cases may be referred to Hawaii or Guam.

Safety

Keep connected

Phone

To call out of Micronesia, use exit code 011, followed by the calling code of the country you are trying to connect to, then the area area (leaving out any 0s) and finally the phone number.

Internet

There are various internet cafés in the state capitals, providing decent connections at reasonable prices.

Post

There are post offices on all four states and are open during business hours Monday - Friday. U.S. postal rates apply.