The islands, inhabited by Micronesian and Polynesian peoples, were colonized by Spain in the 17th century. Germany purchased them from Spain in 1898. They were occupied by the Japanese in 1914, but American forces seized them from the Japanese during World War II. On April 2, 1947, the United Nations Security Council created the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. The trust placed the Northern Mariana, Caroline, and Marshall Islands under the administration of the United States. The Micronesian Federation (FMA) became self-governing in 1979. In 1983, the FMA voted to accept a Compact of Free Association with the U.S., and in Nov. 1986, the U.S. government declared the Trust Territory agreements no longer in effect—thereby granting the Federated States of Micronesia full independence. In Nov. 2002 the compact was renewed for another 20 years. The FMA was admitted to the United Nations on Sept. 17, 1991. In July 1993, the country became a member of the International Monetary Fund. Micronesia, as well as many other South Pacific countries, is alarmed by the effect continued global warming will have on its islands. The consequent rise in the level of the oceans threatens low-lying islands with flooding and, eventually, with submergence.

The Federated States of Micronesia is composed of the island states of Yap, Chuuk (Truk), Pohnpei (Ponape), and Kosrae, all in the Caroline Islands. The islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low coral atolls, with volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Chuuk. They are located 3,200 mi (5,150 km) west-southwest of Hawaii, in the North Pacific Ocean.

Official Language: English

Demonym: Micronesian

Currency: United States dollar (USD)

Time Zone: (UTC+10 and +11)

Summer (DST): not observed (UTC+10 and +11)

Internet TLD: .fm

Calling Code: +691

VISA FORMALITIES

Passport Note
All visitors require proof of adequate funds and return or onward tickets.

Foreign-owned vessels or aircraft are required to have entry permits (visas) applied for and in their possession prior to entering Micronesia or to apply for one immediately on entry into Micronesia.

Passports
Passport valid for at least 120 days beyond the date of entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except nationals of the USA with acceptable documentation (birth certificate or entry permit issued by Micronesia), if no passport is available.

Visas

Not required by nationals referred to U.K, U.S.A, Australian, Canadian, and Other EU for visits of up to 30 days. For longer stays and for all visits other than tourist visits, an entry permit is required, and should be obtained prior to travel or arrival. Nationals of the USA may stay for one year without an entry permit, if visiting as tourists.

Note: Nationals not referred in visa requirement line are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see General Info).

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 the USA may apply for an extension of one year’s duration.

TRAVEL ATTRACTION AND THINGS TO DO:

Diving Chuuk Lagoon

Visitors can snorkel or scuba dive above and around Japanese fighter planes or large battleships. On the lagoon bottom, mostly in shallow water, lie the remains of 60 Japanese navy and merchant-marine vessels, sunk in a massively successful allied air raid on the harbor in 1944. Corals and sponges abound here. This is rated as one of the top scuba-diving locations in the world. Incredibly calm December through May, the water temperature is 84 degrees Fahrenheit (28.6C) and the average temperature above water is 86F (30C).

Interior of Pohnpei

The central mountains, which get massive amounts of rain, can be safely visited if you hire a guide from town. Lush tropical rainforest, tall ferns, and cascading waterfalls comprise this eerie yet fascinating landscape. Come prepared with good boots for a serious hike.

Nanpil River

A 20-minute boat ride out of Kolonia takes you to the wide Nanpil River and a large natural pool perfect for swimming. Further down the river are the spectacular Liduduhniap twin waterfalls where you can enjoy a picnic in a jungle.

Ruins of Nan Madol

Nan Madol is a stone fortress built on a reef southwest of Temwen Island by the rulers of Pohnpei beginning around A.D. 500 until it was taken over by Isokelekel, a warrior who installed the present traditional system in the 1520s. The ruins consist of immense basalt-rock logs brought to the islands by raft to construct steps, paths, and a temple. Nan Madol can be reach by boat from Kolonia in about 45 minutes.

Mt. Finkol – Kosrae

A traveler once asserted that the view from the top of Kosrae's Mt. Finkol was the finest anywhere in Micronesia, offering a vista of all the island's harbors and the lesser mountains. You'll have to walk for about four to five hours to get there and you'll need a guide. At Lelu, connected to Kosrae by causeway, the ancient ruins of Insaru, similar to Pohnpei's Nan Madol, have attracted archaeologists and historians from throughout the world. Dating from around A.D. 1300, the ruins are all that's left of what was once a majestic royal city.

Ruins of Insaru

At Lelu, connected to Kosrae by causeway, the ancient ruins of Insaru, similar to Pohnpei's Nan Madol, have attracted archaeologists and historians from throughout the world. Dating from around A.D. 1300, the ruins are all that's left of what was once a majestic royal city.

Snorkeling and Swimming on Kosrae

There is excellent snorkeling in the coral reefs outside of Lelu, Malem, and Tafunsak. Dive tour-operators take snorkelers to Walung, which has a lovely coral garden. Meanwhile on land, near Utwe to the south, it is possible to swim in the pool formed by the Sipyen Waterfall.

Stone Money of Yap

The island-state least touched by the 20th century is Yap, where ancient and huge stone money quite literally line the dirt roads around the villages. The money is left outside--ask any of the friendly local people and they will direct you to find it. Some of the circular stones are up to eight feet (2.4m) high.

Traditional Island Crafts

Pohrakiet Village is located in Kolonia on the island of Pohnpei. The village is a Polynesian enclave where skilled wood carvers fashion what are called ivory nut bracelets, from sharks, dolphins, and a variety of sea life.

CLIMATE

The climate of Micronesia can be described as a typical warm, tropical climate with two different seasons. The dry season is between December and April; the rainy season lasts from April to December, with the greatest falls between July and October. Temperatures range between 26-32°C, with the water temperature sitting on a comfortable year-round 28-29°C

Typhoons can hit The Micronesia from July to mid November, and can sometimes cause heavy damage, flooding and erosion. However, this is a seldom scenario, because the routes of Typhoons usually are too far northwest to reach the Islands, and not every Typhoon that hit the Micronesian Islands is really strong.