Micronesia

The Federated States of Micronesia is a country made up of more than 600 small islands in the western Pacific Ocean. The islands are spread over a huge area of ocean. Micronesia has warm weather, beautiful reefs, and a traditional island way of life. Only about 65 of the islands have people living on them.

Land and People

About 105,000 people live in Micronesia. The capital is Palikir on the island of Pohnpei. The country has four states: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae. The islands include both volcanic islands with mountains and flat coral atolls.

Culture and Fun Facts

Each island in Micronesia has its own unique traditions and language. On the island of Yap, people once used giant stone discs as money. The ocean is a central part of life, and fishing is very important. Chuuk Lagoon has many sunken World War II ships that attract divers from around the world.

Fun Facts

• On the island of Yap, people used giant stone discs called Rai stones as a form of money.
• Chuuk Lagoon has dozens of sunken World War II ships, making it one of the best diving sites in the world.
• Micronesia's islands are spread across more than one million square miles of ocean.

Did You Know?

On the island of Yap in Micronesia, people used to use giant stone discs as money. Some of these stone coins are as tall as a person and weigh thousands of pounds.