An island nation in Oceania, including the center and the Carolinian Islands and the atoll of Kapinga Marangi, in the western part of the Pacific Ocean. Area - 701.4 km². The capital is Palikir, located on the island of Pohnpei. Administratively, the FSM consists of 4 states, each with its own government: Chuuk (formerly Truk), Kosrae, Pohnpei (Ponape), and Yap. Population - 113,000 (2004), predominantly Micronesians. The official language is English. Religion: the majority of believers are Christians. Currency - US dollar.
National holiday - November 3 - Independence Day.
The FSM is a "freely associated" state with the USA. Republic. The constitution of 1979 is in effect. The head of state and government is the president (Joseph Urusemal), elected by members of the FSM National Congress from among its members for a term of 4 years. The legislative power is represented by a federal unicameral parliament - the FSM National Congress, consisting of 14 senators (4 senators are elected from the states for a term of 4 years, 10 for 2).
Since 1991 - a member of the UN.
The first European navigator to reach the Caroline Islands was the Spaniard A. de Saavedra, who named them in honor of the Spanish King Charles II (historical information - see Marshall Islands).
The agreement on "free association" with the USA was signed in 1982 and came into force on November 3, 1986. After the de facto entry into force of the agreement on "free association" of the USA with Palau, the US trusteeship over Micronesia ceased de jure. The basis of the economy is fishing, copra production, vegetable growing, and there are prerequisites for the development of light industry. In exploring its rich fishing zone, the FSM collaborates with the USA, Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and others. The tourism infrastructure is developing. Annually, the FSM is visited by 70,000 tourists, mainly from Australia and Japan. Export goods include copra (over 50% of export value), pepper, fish, local handicrafts, and coconut oil. The FSM receives significant subsidies from the USA. GNP per capita - $2000.
The newspaper "Chuuk News Chronicle" is published. There are several radio stations and television centers.
