Micronesia

Midway Atoll is part of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and is located in the central Pacific Ocean. It is not classified under Polynesia, Micronesia, or Melanesia but is considered part of the broader region of Oceania. Geographically, it is closer to Polynesia, but it is primarily associated with the United States as an unincorporated territory.

Micronesia, officially known as the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), is a nation in the western Pacific Ocean comprising four states: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae. It has a unique cultural heritage, with diverse languages and traditions among its islands. Economically, Micronesia relies heavily on U.S. financial assistance and tourism, while facing challenges like climate change and rising sea levels. The country is working towards sustainable development and preserving its rich cultural identity amidst modern influences.

As of October 2023, the current leader of the Federated States of Micronesia is President Wesley Simina, who took office on May 11, 2023. He succeeded David Panuelo and is the first president from the state of Pohnpei since 1996. Simina's administration focuses on economic development and strengthening relations with international partners.

The distance between American Samoa and Micronesia varies depending on the specific locations within each region, but generally, it is approximately 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) across the Pacific Ocean. American Samoa is located in the South Pacific, while Micronesia is situated to the northwest of American Samoa. The two regions are part of the larger Pacific Islands, separated by vast oceanic distances.

The Federated States of Micronesia does not receive any electoral votes in the United States presidential elections. This is because it is a sovereign nation in free association with the U.S., rather than a U.S. territory or state. Consequently, its citizens do not participate in the electoral vote process for U.S. presidential elections.

In Micronesia, low islands are typically formed from coral reefs and consist mainly of sandy or rocky land with limited elevation, often characterized by lush vegetation and fragile ecosystems. High islands, on the other hand, are volcanic in origin, featuring mountainous terrain and richer soil, which allows for more diverse agriculture and habitats. Examples of low islands include the Marshall Islands, while high islands include locations like Pohnpei and Guam. Both types of islands play crucial roles in the cultural and ecological diversity of the region.

In the Federated States of Micronesia, a common way to say hello is "Mwaramw," which is used in the Pohnpei state. Different islands may have their own greetings, such as "Kaselehlie" in Kosrae or "Mwaramw" in Yap. Overall, greetings can vary based on the specific region and language within Micronesia.

Palau primarily exports a limited range of raw materials, including fish, particularly tuna, which is a significant part of its economy. Other exports include copra, a dried coconut product, and some agricultural products like taro and fruits. The nation's export market is relatively small, largely due to its geographic isolation and focus on tourism rather than industrial production.

Post-World War I Advanced Base Operations in Micronesia in 1921 focused on establishing strategic military outposts for the United States in the region, as it sought to solidify its influence in the Pacific following the war. This involved the development of infrastructure and logistical support systems to enhance naval capabilities and facilitate communication. The operations were part of a broader strategy to secure maritime routes and counter potential threats from other powers, particularly in light of the growing tensions leading up to World War II. These activities laid the groundwork for future military presence and engagement in the Pacific.

In 1898, the United States gained control over several territories in the Pacific as a result of the Spanish-American War. While the U.S. did not directly acquire Micronesia, it took control of Guam, which is part of the region. The broader control over Micronesia came later, particularly after World War I when Germany's territories were ceded to Japan, and then after World War II when the U.S. administered the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, which included parts of Micronesia. Thus, while the U.S. influence in Micronesia began in 1898, full control developed in the following decades.

Micronesia has a mixed economy that relies heavily on agriculture, fishing, and tourism, with the latter being a significant source of revenue. The country benefits from financial assistance and grants from the United States under the Compact of Free Association, which also includes provisions for economic development. While subsistence farming and fishing remain vital for local livelihoods, the economy faces challenges such as limited infrastructure and vulnerability to natural disasters. Overall, Micronesia's economy is characterized by a blend of traditional practices and external support.

Overfishing in Palau became a significant issue in the late 20th century, particularly during the 1990s and early 2000s, as commercial fishing expanded and demand for fish increased. The rise in tourism also contributed to unsustainable fishing practices. In response to the declining fish stocks, Palau has since implemented various conservation measures, including establishing marine protected areas and promoting sustainable fishing practices.

The Micronesian word for good is "raam." So, if you ever find yourself in Micronesia and want to compliment someone or something, just drop a casual "raam" and watch the smiles roll in. Just remember, it's all fun and games until someone gets their pronunciation wrong.

Oh, dude, Micronesia is a group of tiny islands in the Pacific Ocean, so it's not really known for its celebrity scene. I mean, I'm sure there are some famous Micronesian folks out there, but they might not be on the same level as your typical Hollywood A-listers. So, like, if you're looking for a Micronesian George Clooney, you might be out of luck.

Micronesia is a region in the western Pacific Ocean consisting of thousands of small islands. It is divided into four main island groups: the Caroline Islands, the Gilbert Islands, the Mariana Islands, and the Marshall Islands. The islands are known for their tropical climate, coral reefs, and diverse marine life.

Palau is vulnerable to typhoons, flooding, droughts, and coral bleaching events as a result of climate change. Additionally, Palau faces environmental challenges such as sea level rise and ocean acidification, which threaten its marine ecosystems and livelihoods. The country is also at risk of earthquakes due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Fiji's climate is tropical. Overall, temperatures between November and April (summer) are slightly higher than the winter months, as is the humidity and the resulting tropical downpours. Light cotton clothes are advisable at all times - only between May and October (winter) will a light sweater be needed for nights and early mornings.

However, the weather in Fiji varies considerably between island regions. This is due to the dominant south-east trade winds which traps clouds over the mountains on the south-eastern sides of the larger islands - rainfall in Suva is much higher than in Nadi on the western, leeward side of the main island which is good if you want to experience the vibrant rainforest but not so good for sun-bathing.

Summer - December to April

Summer begins early in December and lasts until April. During this time it is hot and humid (32oC by day) with bright sunny mornings and predictable late afternoon downpours on the larger islands, although the small offshore islands often miss these downpours altogether. This 'wet season' is a good time to come to experience the lush vibrancy of the rainforest - rivers are full, waterfalls gushing and the hills of the larger islands become refreshingly green. The down side is the high humidity, the increase in mosquitoes and the possibility of tropical storms or mightier cyclones.

Winter - May to November

By the end of April, Fiji experiences a more moderate climate. Temperatures are comfortably warm by day (27oC) and pleasantly cool at night (19oC) when a light jumper may be necessary. By midwinter (July), many parts of the country welcome rain - the hills around Nadi turn brown and water shortages occur on the smaller islands. However, on the eastern sides of the larger islands, notably Suva, Savusavu and Taveuni, rainfall is never far away keeping the air clear and scenery green year round.

The Federated States of Micronesia is made up of islands and atolls, which are low-lying coral formations. These islands are scattered across a vast area of the western Pacific Ocean.

Micronesia was typically a mid-ocean replenishing source for sailing ships. During the 20th Century, the islands were waypoints for seaborne and airborne transport, both in peacetime and wartime.

As naval bases.

The Nation known as the Federated States of Micronesia consists of four states: Chuuk, Yap, Kosrae, and Pohnpei and is located among the islands in the SW Pacific. Each state is made up of multiple small islands spread in a large area of ocean and each historically has its own time zone:

* Chuuk's time zone is called Truk Time, since Chuuk used to be called Truk. The time zone is abbreviated as TRUT. It corresponds with the GMT/UTC Zone +10. * Yap's time zone is known as Yap Time, abbreviated as YAPT, also GMT/UTC +10. * Kosrae has Kosrae Time, abbreviated as KOST, corresponding to GMT/UTC + 11. * Pohnpei's time zone is Ponape Time, with the abbreviation of PONT. Pohnpei was formerly known as Ponape. This time zone is equivalent to GMT/UTC + 11. Daylight Savings Time is not observed.

Additional information:

Palikir is the Nation's Capital City located on Pohnpei, the island formerly known as Ponape, which is the most developed island of the Federation. The airport is located on a small island just off the main island of Pohnpei. The population on Pohnpei of around 34,000 is the largest of the states. It is growing in popularity with world surfers who consider the Palikir Pass (aka P-Pass) as one of the best reef pass surfs in the world. The coral reef is also well known by SCUBA enthusiasts and fishermen.

Chuuk, which means "mountain" in Chuukese, was Japan's main base in the South Pacific Theatre in WW2 when it was known as Truk. It is known as one of the world's best shipwreck diving destinations as well as for its brightly colored corals.

Yap, known as Wa'ab to the locals, is the state farthest West and is made up of islands that stretch over 600 miles across the Pacific. It is known as the Island of Stone Money, because they still use stone money for some transactions. It is well known by divers as a place with a population of giant manta rays always available to divers who want to swim with them.

Kosrae is farthest east and incorporates multiple atolls. It is unspoiled and rarely visited. One of its geographical features is a mountain with a shape that has earned the island the name of "The Island of the Sleeping Lady", when viewed from out at sea, it looks like a woman lying down. How to say thank you in Kosraean: "Kulo".

Signs point to 1,500 islands. And most likely true counting all the beautiful uninhabited island and atolls in the FSM. But, there are four main islands that make up the Federation. They are, starting from east to west, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk, and Yap.

Latitude: 7°20′59″N

Longitude: 134°30′35″E

The low islands of Micronesia were typically formed by coral reefs growing on the submerged slopes of submerged volcanic mountains, which built up over time to create the islands. Additionally, some low islands in Micronesia were formed by the accumulation of sand and sediment carried by ocean currents and deposited on top of submerged volcanic peaks.