Country Profile: Micronesia, Federated States of

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is an island nation located in the North Pacific Ocean, comprising four states—Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap. Historically rich, it features a unique blend of cultures and traditions shaped by its geographical isolation and varied history of colonization. The economy is primarily reliant on aid, fishing, and farming, with limited entrepreneurial development and a dependence on the US dollar. Governed as a federal republic in free association with the United States, the FSM operates under a mixed legal system influenced by both common and customary laws.

Geography

FSM consists of approximately 607 islands with a total land area of 702 square kilometers, located about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Indonesia. The climate is tropical, characterized by heavy, year-round rainfall and susceptibility to typhoons. The terrain is diverse, featuring both high mountainous islands and low coral atolls.

6,112 km of coastline.
0 sq km of inland water (freshwater only).
The highest point is 782 m at Nanlaud on Pohnpei.
7.1% of land is used for agriculture (as of 2022).
92.1% of the land is forested (as of 2022).
Coastal populations predominantly inhabit the high islands, while mountainous interiors remain uninhabited.

People and Society

FSM's estimated population is 99,603 (2024), with a diverse cultural heritage reflecting the various ethnic groups present. The official language is English, complemented by several local languages. The predominant religions are Roman Catholicism and Protestantism.

27% of the population is aged between 0-14 years.
67.3% fall within the age range of 15-64 years.
The median age is 28.2 years (2024).
Life expectancy at birth is 75 years (2024).
17.8 births per 1,000 population (2024).
Urbanization stands at 23.4% of the total population (2023).

Economy

FSM's economy is classified as lower middle-income, primarily reliant on US aid, which is set to phase out in 2024. The economy primarily focuses on fishing, farming, and remittances from overseas, with tourism remaining underdeveloped.

Real GDP (PPP) estimated at $432.679 million for 2024.
GDP per capita (PPP) stands at $3,800 (2024).
69.2% of GDP comes from the services sector (2023).
23.3% is contributed by agriculture (2023).
5.3% of GDP from remittances (2023).
Imports valued at $325.9 million and exports at $129.5 million in 2024.

Government

FSM operates as a federal republic in free association with the United States, with a mixed legal system that incorporates both common and customary law. Political power is divided among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

The capital is Palikir, established as the capital in 1989.
The government comprises 4 states: Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap.
The president is Wesley W. Simina, in office since May 12, 2023.
14 seats in the unicameral Congress, with a term of 2 years.
The Constitution was ratified in 1979.
Universal suffrage granted at 18 years of age.

Military and Security

FSM does not possess a military force; defense responsibilities are managed by the United States, as part of the Compact of Free Association established in 1986. The FSM National Police, which includes a maritime wing, handles local security.

No military forces; reliance on the US for defense.
The FSM signed the COFA with the US for military support and financial assistance.
Shiprider agreements allow local law enforcement to work with the US Coast Guard.

Energy

Access to electricity in FSM is relatively high, with urban areas showing nearly complete electrification rates. The country heavily depends on imported petroleum for energy needs.

85.3% of the total population has access to electricity (2022).
800 barrels per day of refined petroleum consumption (2023).
121,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions from petroleum (2023).

Environment

FSM faces significant environmental challenges, including overfishing, sea-level rise, and pollution from mining. The nation is party to various international environmental agreements.

92.1% of land is forested (2022).
Major issues include overfishing and solid waste disposal.
The country participates in agreements on climate change and biodiversity.

Transportation

Transportation in FSM is primarily reliant on air travel, with a limited number of airports and a merchant marine fleet.

7 airports operational by 2025.
38 vessels in the merchant marine (2023).
4 main ports, including key locations such as Colonia and Pohnpei Harbor.

Communications

FSM has a developing communications infrastructure, with both fixed and mobile telephony services available, albeit with limited media broadcasting.

41% of the population uses the internet (2022).
22,000 mobile cellular subscriptions (2021).
6,000 fixed-line subscriptions (2021).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	99,603	2024 estimate
Area	702 sq km	Total land area
Real GDP (PPP)	$432.679 million	2024 estimate
GDP per capita (PPP)	$3,800	2024 estimate
Birth rate	17.8 births/1,000 population	2024 estimate
Life expectancy at birth	75 years	2024 estimate
Electricity access	85.3%	2022 estimate
Urban population	23.4%	2023 estimate
Total area of land used for agriculture	7.1%	2022 estimate
Number of main airports	7	Operational by 2025