Micronesia: remains of ancient civilizations and atolls

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The Federated States of Micronesia are a federal republic located in the Pacific Ocean north of the equator. The islands that are part of it are located north-east of Papua New Guinea. The Federated States of Micronesia are located in the heart of the Caroline Islands Archipelago, a large area of ocean that extends from Palau in the west to Kiribati in the east.

A SERIES OF VOLCANIC ISLANDS AND CORAL ATOLLS

The state is made up of 4 federated states that are part of the archipelago of the Caroline Islands, these are the states of Yap, Chuuk (Truk), Pohnpei (Ponape), and Kosrae (Kusiae). The federal capital is the small town of Palikir on the island of Pohnpei (or Ponape).

The islands are partly of volcanic origin and partly of coral atolls. The most important island is Pohnpei (334 sq km), a wild volcanic island, home to the state capital, Palikir. Pohnpei rises up to 791 meters of Mount Totolom, the highest peak in the Federated States of Micronesia. On the island of Pohnpei is Nan Madol, the most important ceremonial center of eastern Micronesia, which UNESCO has declared a world heritage.

The island of Chuuk (Truk) is formed by a group of islands within a single coral lagoon. Yap is especially famous for its stone coins. Kosrae (110 sq km), is the only island that forms the homonymous state. This is also the easternmost island of the archipelago, and is a mountainous island. Its highest peak, of volcanic origin, reaches 634 meters in height.

The religion practiced by the inhabitants is the Christian one. The faithful are almost equally divided between Catholics and Protestants. English is the official language, but recognized languages are the languages spoken in the four main islands of Yap, Chuuk (Truk), Pohnpei (Ponape), and Kosrae (Kusiae). A total of 17 indigenous languages speak throughout the state.

THE DEEPEST OCEANIC TRENCH OF THE PLANET

The Challenger Abyss is located in the maritime space of the Federated States of Micronesia, between the islands of Yap and Guam. This is the deepest oceanic trench in the world (-10,911 meters). This abyss is part of the Mariana Trench.

The economy of the Federated States of Micronesia is mainly based on fishing and agriculture (coconuts (copra), cassava, bananas and batas). Tourism represents a potential resource of the country but is not currently over-exploited. This is in fact one of the most remote and beautiful places on earth. The region hosts above all a great cultural and biological diversity. Here are islands with pristine coral reefs. The islands have a tropical climate, with relatively warm temperatures throughout the year.

The page of the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia.

• Area: 707 sqkm.
• Population: 107,000 (2007 data) (Micronesian 89% (Chuukese 49%, Pohnpeian 24%, Yapese 10%, Kosraean 6%), Asian 2%, Polynesian 2%, others 7%).
• State Capital: Palikir (Pohnpei).
• Languages: Official languages are English, Ulithian, Woleaian, Yapese, Pohnpeian, Kosraean, and Chuukese.
• Religion: Christian 97% (Catholic 50%, Protestant 47%).
• Currency: American Dollar(USD).
• Time: UTC +10, +11 hours.

ACCOMMODATIONS, APARTMENTS, B&B AND HOTELS

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