Micronesia Become a Disney Travel Agent Near Me

Micronesia is an immense geographical region encompassing an area larger than that of the U.S. However, the actual landmass of this vast stretch of islands is smaller than Rhode Island, the smallest state in the U.S. The rest is deep blue sea. Like neighboring Polynesia or Melanesia, it has always had an exotic ring to it.

Within this region are many countries. The largest is The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), comprising the states of Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk and Yap. Starting in the east with Kosrae in the central-north Pacific and stretching west to the Yap Islands, this country is a unique blend of cultures, terrains and histories.

Lush vegetation and simple living punctuate the lives of the people of the FSM, where fishing, sailing and weaving are still important parts of everyday life. These communities are nestled into tranquil settings that naturally grace the islands.

In the FSM state of Chuuk, fishing, weaving and tending to gardens supplant the subsistence lives that many sustain on their individual islands. It is not unusual to see women waist deep in the mangroves hunting for a special delicacy, and open-hearth fires are still used to cook the daily meals. In Pohnpei, communities come together to weave a new boathouse or just wash the daily clothes, and in Yap, considered the most traditional island in Micronesia, dance is the most advanced art form.

The Federated States of Micronesia is one of the great diving locales of the world: a remote retreat uncluttered by hordes of tourists or by lots of big resort hotels. This scattering of tiny islands in the middle of the Pacific offers an opportunity to experience authentic island life and fascinating ocean depths. Micronesia might not have all the standard modern conveniences, but that's precisely why many people go there.

Geography

History

The history of the Federated States of Micronesia dates back several thousand years. The first settlers are thought to have migrated eastward from Southeast Asia to Yap. They are often described as Austronesian speakers who possessed horticultural skills and highly sophisticated maritime knowledge. The Lelu ruins in Kosrae (1400 AD) and the Nan Madol ruins of Pohnpei (1000 AD) are impressive reminders of the accomplishments of these early peoples.

Although the islands were spotted as early as the 1500s by Spanish, Portugese and English explorers, they remained uncolonized until the 19th century, when Spain took control. Spain established its colonial government on Yap and claimed sovereignty over the islands until 1899, when it sold them to Germany.

German administration encouraged the development of trade and production of copra. However, in 1914 the Japanese took over the islands after the Germans virtually abandoned them to bring their ships back to the war in Europe. During this period, extensive settlement resulted in a Japanese population of more than 100,000 throughout Micronesia. The indigenous population was then about 40,000. Sugarcane, mining, fishing and tropical agriculture became the major industries.

World War II brought an abrupt end to the relative prosperity experienced during Japanese civil administration. By the war's conclusion most infrastructure had been laid to waste by bombing. The islands and people had been exploited by the Japanese military to the point of impoverishment. With Japan's defeat in World War II, the islands became U.N. Trust Territories, administered by the U.S. In 1978, the Federated States of Micronesia began to emerge from trusteeship. The country became self-governing in 1986 and became a member of the United Nations in 1991.

The islands are striving, under close financial scrutiny from the U.S., to establish an independent economy. Most have developed well, although Chuuk has had huge financial problems.

Snapshot

The foremost attractions of the Federated States of Micronesia are snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, underwater wrecks, beaches, island culture, tropical scenery, ocean kayaking, relaxation and historical sites.

Most people visit the islands for the ocean and its bounty: The islands will appeal most to adventurous souls who like to dive or snorkel on relatively undeveloped islands. It's not the place for anyone who demands all the modern conveniences and first-rate service, who wilts under heat and humidity or who can't tolerate delays, cancellations or schedule changes.

Potpourri

The official bird of Pohnpei is the serehd, also known as the lory. The reddish-colored bird can be seen in Pohnpei's rain forest.

The Pohnpei state of "U" has the shortest place name in the world.

Nearly everyone on Yap and many on Chuuk and Pohnpei chew betel nut, a mild stimulant that leaves red stains on the teeth of habitual users. Almost any user will be pleased to share some with you.

The stone money of Yap was quarried in Palau and brought to Yap, sometimes on perilous ocean voyages that enhanced the money's value. It is still used for traditional purchases today.

The stone wheels that serve as money don't actually change hands, however. Because they are too large to move easily, they simply stay where they are. And because everyone on the small islands knows what belongs to whom, there is no danger the tokens will be stolen.

Even if you've never snorkeled before, this is the place to give it a try. Although the region is heaven for deep-sea divers, many wrecks and beautiful reefs are visible only a few feet/meters below the surface.

Chuuk chieftains use a special language to call up spirits on the islands.