Micronesia, Federated States General Information Area: Kosrae (five islands) – 110 sq km (42 sq miles); Pohnpei (163 islands) – 344 sq km (133 sq miles); Chuuk (formerly Truk) (294 islands) – 127 sq km (49 sq miles); Yap (145 islands) – 119 sq km (46 sq miles). Total: 700 sq km (270.3 sq miles). Population: 116,268 (official estimate 1999). Population Density: 166 per sq km. Capital: Palikir (Pohnpei). Population: 33,692 (1998). GEOGRAPHY: The Federated States of Micronesia lie 3680km (2300 miles) north of Australia and 4000km (2500 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 (2000ft). Government: Federal Republic since 1980. Gained self-governing status (in free association with the USA) in 1986. Head of State and Government: President Leo A Falcam since 1999. Language: English; Micronesian languages, including Kosrean, Pohnpean, Chuukese and Yapese, are widely spoken. Religion: Mostly Roman Catholic with other Christian denominations. Time: Owing to the vast area covered by the islands, Micronesia spans two time zones: Chuuk and Yap: GMT + 10. Kosrae and Pohnpei: GMT + 11. Communications:   Telephone IDD is available. Country code: 691. Outgoing international code: 00. Internet FSM Telecom is the main ISP (website: http://www.fm/). Telegram Facilities at island capitals and main hotels. Post Post offices are located in Kolonia for Pohnpei, Moen for Chuuk, Lelu for Kosrae and Colonia for Yap. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1630. Press Pacific Daily News (Guam) is the main English-language newspaper in the Federated States of Micronesia. The Island Tribune is printed twice a week. Passport/Visa   Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required? British Yes 1 Yes Australian Yes 1 Yes Canadian Yes 1 Yes USA No No Yes OtherEU Yes 1 Yes Japanese Yes 1 Yes PASSPORTS: Passport valid for at least 120 days beyond the date of entry required by all except nationals of the Marshall Islands, Palau and the USA with acceptable documentation (birth certificate or Entry Permit issued by Micronesia), if no passport is available. VISAS: 1. Not required for visits of up to 30 days. For longer stays and for all visits other than touristic visits, an Entry Permit is required, and should be obtained prior to travel or arrival. Nationals of the passport-exempt countries may stay for one year without an Entry Permit, if visiting as tourists. Types of visa and cost: Entry Permit. Cost on application. Validity: Normally up to an additional 30 days. May be extended to 60 days, although nationals of passport-exempt countries may apply for an extension of one year’s duration. Application to: Chief of Immigration, Department of Justice, FSM Government Office, PO Box PS 105, Palikir, Pohnpei FSM 96941 (tel: 320 5844 or 320 2605; fax: 320 7250 or 320 6240; e-mail: imhq@mail.fm). Note: All visitors require proof of adequate funds and return or onward tickets. Working days required: Must apply by post; applications are dealt with on receipt. Temporary residence: Apply to Division of Immigration (see address above). Note: Foreign-owned vessels or aircraft are required to have entry permits (visas) applied for and in their possession prior to entering Micronesia. Money Currency: Giant stone money remains in use on Yap, but not for ordinary transactions or any that are likely to involve visitors. For information on convertible currency, see Money in the Pacific Islands of Micronesia section. The US Dollar is the official currency. There are several US FDIC insured banks operating and most major credit cards are welcome at major businesses. Duty Free No detailed information was available at time of writing. Note: Alcohol for passengers over 21 years of age only. Prohibited items: Firearms and ammunition. Plants and animals must be declared and will be subject to restrictions. Public Holidays Dec 24* Yap Constitution Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day. Jan 11* Kosrae Constitution Day. Mar 1* Yap Day. Mar 31* Pohnpei Culture Day. Apr 18 Good Friday. May 10 Constitution (Federated States of Micronesia) Day. Sep 11* Kosrae and Pohnpei Liberation Day. Oct 24 United Nations Day. Nov 4 National Day. Nov 8* Pohnpei Constitution Day. Nov 27* Kosrae Thanksgiving Day. Dec 24* Yap Constitution Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Jan 11* Kosrae Constitution Day. Mar 1* Yap Day. Mar 31* Pohnpei Culture Day. Apr 9 Good Friday. May 10 Constitution (Federated States of Micronesia) Day. Sep 11* Kosrae and Pohnpei Liberation Day. Oct 24 United Nations Day. Nov 4 National Day. Nov 8* Pohnpei Constitution Day. Nov 25* Kosrae Thanksgiving Day. Dec 24* Yap Constitution Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Note: *Variations occur from island to island. Health Health care: All the Federated States have good government hospitals in the main cities. There are also dental services and private health clinics throughout the islands. Nevertheless, health insurance is recommended. Travel - International AIR: Continental Micronesia (CS) flights link the major islands with Guam, Tokyo, Manila and Honolulu. Air Nauru provides services twice a week linking Pohnpei to Australia, Fiji, Nauru, Guam and Manila. The Visit the South Pacific Pass is valid for many airlines operating in the South Pacific, including most of the larger ones, such as Air Caledonie, Air Marshall Islands, Air Nauru, Air Niugingi, Air Pacific, Air Vanuatu, Polynesian Airlines, Qantas, Royal Tongan Airlines and Solomon Airlines. Offering reductions of up to 40 per cent on normal airfares, this sector-based pass allows for flexible island-hopping between the destinations of the Cook Islands, Fiji, Nauru, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, Vanuatu and the more remote Melanesian and Micronesian islands, together with major cities in Australia (Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane) and New Zealand (Chirstchurch, Wellington, Auckland). It is only available for people resident outside of the South Pacific. The journey must be started outside the South Pacific and only one stopover in Australia is allowed. A minimum of two sectors must be bought before departure (extra sectors can be purchased en route). There is a maximum of one pass per person, and passes must be used within six months of the first day of travel. Children under 12 years of age pay 75 per cent of the adult fare. For details and conditions, contact the South Pacific Tourist Organisation (see Contact Addresses section). Approximate flight times: See Pacific Islands of Micronesia section. International airports: Pohnpei (PNI) is 5km (3 miles) from Kolonia. Taxis are available. Facilities include car hire, light snacks and tourist information. Departure tax: US$10 for Pohnpei and Kosrae and $15 for Chuuk for domestic and international departures. There is no departure tax for Yap. SEA: International ports are Pohnpei, Chuuk and Yap. Inter-island trading ships based in Pohnpei, Yap and Chuuk visit the outlying islands. ROAD: There are good roads in and around major island centres. Bus: No scheduled service, although some buses may be available for hire or charter. Taxi: Available throughout the Federated States and inexpensive. Car hire: Self-drive cars are available in major towns. Documentation: National driving licence or International Driving Permit required. Accommodation There are hotels in the various island capitals. Parts of Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae are being developed into beach resorts. CAMPING: There are no official campsites, but private arrangements can be made with local landowners. For further information, contact the FSM Visitors Board (see Contact Addresses section). Introduction The most important historical sites include The Spanish Wall and Catholic Bell Tower in Pohnpei, the Japanese Wartime Communication Centre at Xavier High School in Chuuk and the ruins of INSARU in Kosrae. The Sokehs Mass Grave holds the remains of 17 Pohnpeians who were executed by firing squad in 1911 for resisting the German administration. There are also small museums in Kosrae and Chuuk. The Enpein Marine Park and ancient ruins of Nan Madol in Pohnpei are well worth visiting. Pohnpei has magnificent waterfalls with pools that are ideal for bathing. Two of the most beautiful falls are Kepirohi and Sahwartik. All States have beautiful white sandy beaches. Sport & Activities Diving: Warm water and spectacular underwater scenery attract divers to these islands. Kosrae has over 50 dive sites, each marked with a buoy to prevent improper anchoring. Unspoiled coral reefs close to the shore make the island suitable for both walk-in and boat diving. In neighbouring Pohnpei State, recommended dive sites include the unspoiled Ant Atoll and Pakin Atoll, both a short boat ride away from the main island. The state of Chuuk contains the famous Truk Lagoon, where a whole Japanese fleet was sunk during World War II. More than 50 wrecks can be seen here, with various artefacts still intact. Some of the shallower wrecks are suitable for snorkellers. The island of Yap is notable for its schools of manta rays, which can be seen all year round. Tuna, dolphins and reef fish are also abundant. For further information about diving facilities and dive schools, contact the FSM Visitors Board (see Contact Addresses section). Other: There are facilities available for fishing, hiking, windsurfing, tennis, canoeing, football, basketball, volleyball and baseball. Social Profile Food & Drink: Local specialities include breadfruit (Chuuk) and thin slices of raw fish dipped in a peppery sauce. Pohnpeians have over 100 words for yams and grow them to massive proportions (it may take several men to carry one); yams occupy a central position in local culture. Although some dining rooms serve buffet-style fare, table service is usual and operates at a leisurely pace. Sakau, as it is known on Pohnpei, or kava, as it is known throughout the rest of Polynesia, is made from the root of a shrub which yields a mildly narcotic substance when squeezed through hibiscus bark. There are several sakau bars where visitors can sample it and watch it being made. Alcohol is prohibited on Chuuk (with the consequence that nearby islands are often used as picnic resorts). Nightlife: There are good restaurants and a few cinemas in major island centres. Locals and visitors alike enjoy making their own entertainment. Sakau drinking is the most frequent evening activity on Pohnpei. Cultural dances can be arranged through tourist offices or hotels. Most hotels have music, dancing and discos. Shopping: Favourite purchases on Chuuk include love sticks and war clubs. Yap people produce colourful grass skirts, lava-lavas woven from hibiscus bark, woven baby cradles, betel-nut pouches and stone money. On Pohnpei, there are elaborate, carefully scaled model canoes and woven items. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700. Some stores open Sun 1200-1700. Special Events: In Yap, mitmits are feasts accompanied by dancing and exchanges of gifts which are given by villages reciprocally, often after a period of years has elapsed. Liberation Day (11 Sep) in Pohnpei is preceded by a week of sports and traditional events, including canoe racing. Also in Pohnpei, funeral feasts are important events lasting several days. In Kosrae, a notice at the airport invites visitors to participate in Sunday church services. Social Conventions: There are considerable variations of custom and belief. Approximately 95 per cent of Kosreans are Congregationalists with a deeply held respect for Sunday as a day of rest. Pre-European influences are stronger elsewhere and nowhere more so than in Yap where visitors are only allowed with prior permission. Use of islands, paths, beaches etc may also require permission in many areas; it is best to check beforehand. Photography: Permission should always be sought. Though people are friendly, and usually accommodating, not to seek prior permission before taking pictures is considered an insult, especially on some of the more remote islands. Tipping: Tips are neither encouraged nor expected. Business Profile Economy: Subsistence farming and fishing are of declining importance as tourism has come to dominate the domestic economy and fishing is largely pursued by foreign commercial concerns operating under licence. Mineral resources are limited to a few high-grade phosphate deposits. Sales of these licences account for over one-third of national income. Aid from the USA has been a vital source of income: under the Compact of Free Association between the islands and the USA, Micronesia received US$1.3 billion in bilateral aid over the 15-year period up to 2001. Much of this was sunk into infrastructure projects, principally an airport and harbour on each of the main islands. However, the end of this subvention has depressed the economy and, with few other immediate options, Micronesia’s economic prospects are at best uncertain. The Federated States of Micronesia is a member of the South Pacific Commission and the South Pacific Forum. Conferences/Conventions: For further information, contact FSM Visitors Board (see Contact Addresses section). Climate Tropical with year-round high humidity. Required clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens, with light rainwear advisable all year round. History and Government History: The Federated States of Micronesia became a US-administered Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands in 1947. This followed successive colonisation by the Portuguese, Spanish and Germans, and latterly Japanese rule between the two World Wars, under a mandate from the League of Nations (a forerunner of the United Nations). In November 1986, the Federated States signed a Compact of Free Association with the USA, allowing for near-independence with US defence support. Admission to and support from the South Pacific Forum – an association that groups Australasia with the smaller Pacific island nations – has been particularly valuable. Other than political matters, successive governments – including the present administration of Premier Leo Falcam, elected in 1999 – have been pre-occupied with the economic situation, as the Federated States suffer from remoteness and lack of industry and infrastructure. There is some development potential, particularly in the fishing and fish-processing industry, but Micronesia has some way to go before it ceases to be dependent on aid from the USA, which amounted to US$1.3 billion between 1986 and the end of the century. In 1991, the Federated States of Micronesia were admitted to the UN. Government: The locally drafted constitution promulgated in May 1979 provides for a separate legislature for each of the four states of Kosrae, Yap, Pohnpei (formerly Ponape) and Chuuk (formerly Truk) and for a federal legislature (congress) of 14 senators. Each state elects one senator for a four-year term; these four are known as the ‘senators-at-large’. The other ten senators are elected for two years and their representation is allocated according to the population of each state. The president and vice-president are elected by the congress senators-at-large. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.