| | FSM: From Settlement to Modern Culture
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HISTORY: The FSM is a part of the Carolinian Islands group and has a rich history dating back several thousand years. The islands were originally settled by ancient people sailing east from Asia and north from Polynesia. In the past 500 years European and other Asian cultures, by way of conquest and exploration, have left their mark on the islands. The Spanish, Germans, Japanese and Americans have all governed the islands at one time and following a trusteeship under US administration after WWII, the FSM is now independent and self-governing.
Evidence suggests that the first settlers possessed highly developed horticultural and maritime skills. The ancient ruins of Lelu in Kosrae (1400 AD) and Nan Madol in Pohnpei (1000 AD) are impressive and possess mysterious monuments to the accomplishments of these early people.
Portuguese navigators searching for the Spice Islands discovered Yap and Ulithi in 1525. Spanish expeditions followed and Spain established a colonial government on Yap and claimed sovereignty over all the Caroline Islands until 1899. Germany then purchased the islands from Spain and began the development of trade and production of copra. At the beginning of WWI the Japanese took military possession of the islands and were formally given administrative control by the League of Nations in 1920. During this period the intensive development of tropical agriculture, particularly sugar cane production, mining and fishing saw a Japanese population of over 100,000 settle throughout Micronesia. The indigenous population numbered less than 40,000.
Following the devastation of WWII the United Nations created the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI) in 1947. The TTPI was made up of Ponape (now Pohnpei), Kusaie (now Kosrae), Truk (now Chuuk), Yap, Palau, the Marshall Islands and the Northern Marianas Islands under the trusteeship of the US. The FSM continues to enjoy a close relationship with the US today through the Compact of Free Association.
CULTURE: The people of the FSM are culturally and linguistically Micronesian, but each island state has a distinct culture and languages with different customs and traditions that are now bound together by recent history and common aspirations.
These four states are separated by large expanses of the Pacific Ocean and prior to Western contact this separation led to the development of strong traditions, folklore, customs and languages on each of the island groups.
European, Japanese and American cultures have strongly influenced these cultures and provide a common thread throughout them all. A small number of Polynesians, living primarily on Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi atolls in Pohnpei State also add more cultural diversity to the eclectic island character of the FSM.
CLIMATE: The FSM enjoys an equitable tropical climate. Temperatures average 80 degrees F year round, with highs in the high 80s and lows in the high 70s. Rainfall is heaviest during the summer months and Pohnpei has one of the highest rainfalls in the world with over 350 inches a year, falling mostly in its dense interior jungles. Trade winds come from the northeast from December through June and make this one of the best times to visit the islands. Light tropical clothing is the norm year round in the FSM.
GEOGRAPHY: The Federated States of Micronesia is a group of 607 small islands (micro nesia) in the Western Pacific about 2,500 miles southwest of Hawaii and just above the Equator. The FSM comprises the Eastern and Western Caroline Island groups and its total land area is just 270.8 square miles stretched over more than one million square miles of the Western Pacific Ocean. Each of the four island states centers around one or more classic volcanic high island and all, except Kosrae, are surrounded by numerous and far flung coral atolls. The islands are the result of volcanic activity millions of years ago resulting in islands and atolls of incredible variety. Some are tips of mountain peaks thrust above the surface and now fringed by coral reefs. Others are atolls, islands that have sunk beneath the surface, leaving a ring of coral barrier reef and tiny islets encircling a coral and sand lagoon. Others are mixtures of both atolls and high islands encircled within a lagoon.
Visitors to the FSM will discover a spectacular and diverse landscape made up of 2,000 foot mountain peaks, deeply gorged river valleys, cascading waterfalls, rolling hills, open grassland, lush mangrove forests, fringing coral reefs and protected lagoons, secluded and unspoiled sandy beaches.
Settlement is clustered in small villages around rich agricultural land and natural harbors. Traditionally land has a very high importance creating distinct village clans and character. This tradition and the small size of the islands have kept the population centers small and visitors are welcome to experience a unique hospitality free of the pressures of crowded urban areas.
FLORA AND FAUNA: The FSM is made up of a diverse variety of natural ecosystems, from mangrove swamps to lush tropical rainforest and unspoiled coral reefs. These islands offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience for eco-tourists and adventure travelers who wish to explore beyond the beaten path.
The islands are home to over 200 indigenous and introduced bird species. Deer, monitor lizards and fruit bat can still be found in remote rural areas.
The surrounding coral reefs teem with a myriad of colorful marine life of more than 500 species. Ocean-going turtles, large pelagics, manta rays, vibrant, rainbow colored corals and schools of exotic reef fish create an underwater wonderland without equal. The surrounding oceans are a sport fishermanıs dream. Marlin, mahi, tuna, barracuda, sailfish, jack and many species of bottom fish thrive in these waters and provide excitement and a challenge rarely found elsewhere today.
More than 600 species of exotic and rare plants, flowers and trees flourish in the fertile soil, mangrove forests and sandy beaches of the islands. The flowers and fragrance of hibiscus, bauhinia, plumeria, bougainvillia, wild ginger, coral vine, jasmine, ylang ylang, flame trees and many more species line the main roads and island trails. The ubiquitous coconut tree and pandanus palm sway in the tropical breeze alongside stands of ancient ironwood, eucalyptus, mahogany and rare indigenous hardwoods. An eclectic variety of fruits, including papaya, banana, mango, jackfruit, passionfruit, breadfruit and more, hang from trees waiting to be picked in this tropical Garden of Eden.
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