Category: Micronesia

The Federated States of Micronesia is an island country bathed by the Pacific Ocean, part of the Carolinas, in the Micronesia island group. There are four states: Kosrae, Pohnpei (formerly Ponape), Chuuk (formerly Truk) and Yap. There are 607 islands, but only 65 are inhabited. There are 105 thousand residents (2016). Since 1989, the capital is Palikir, in Pohnpei. The Carolinas Islands were explored by Spaniards in the 16th century. They received this name in honor of King Charles II of Spain. Part of them were occupied by Germany, in the second half of the 19th century, and by Japan, in 1914. After the Second World War, they were administered by the USA. In 1986, part of the Caroline Islands gained independence as the Federated States of Micronesia. The western part of the Carolinas belongs to Palau.