Country Profile: Micronesia, Federated States of

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is an island nation located in the North Pacific Ocean, known for its unique cultural heritage and geographical diversity, comprising four states: Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap. With a population of approximately 99,600, the country faces economic challenges, largely dependent on U.S. aid and industries like fishing and agriculture. Governed as a federal republic in free association with the United States, FSM balances traditional customs with contemporary governance structures.

Geography

Micronesia is located in the North Pacific Ocean, approximately three-quarters of the way between Hawaii and Indonesia. The country comprises over 600 islands, featuring a variety of terrains, from high mountainous islands to low coral atolls. It has a tropical climate characterized by heavy rainfall and is subject to typhoons.

Area: 702 sq km
Coastline: 6,112 km
Highest Point: 782 m (Nanlaud on Pohnpei)
Natural Resources: Timber, marine products, deep-seabed minerals
Land Use: 92.1% forested (2022 est.)

People and Society

The population of Micronesia is approximately 99,600, with a slight female majority. The society is ethnically diverse, predominantly comprising Chuukese, Pohnpeian, Kosraean, and Yapese peoples. English is the official language, but several local languages are also spoken.

Urban Population: 23.4% (2023)
Median Age: 28.2 years (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy: 75 years (2024 est.)
Infant Mortality Rate: 20.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
Dependency Ratio: 48.6 (2024 est.)

Economy

Micronesia's economy is classified as lower middle-income, heavily reliant on U.S. aid, which is set to diminish in 2024. The economy is primarily based on fishing and farming, with tourism still underdeveloped. The country uses the U.S. dollar and has limited entrepreneurship.

Real GDP: $432.679 million (2024 est.)
GDP per Capita: $3,800 (2024 est.)
Agricultural Sector: 23.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Export Partners: Thailand (64%), China (16%)
Public Debt: 27.8% of GDP (2020 est.)

Government

The FSM operates as a federal republic in free association with the United States, with a mixed legal system of common and customary law. The country is divided into four states and has a unicameral legislature. Political dynamics are influenced by the nation's history and culture.

Capital: Palikir
President: Wesley W. Simina (since May 12, 2023)
Independence: November 3, 1986
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age
Constitution: Ratified on October 1, 1978

Military and Security

Micronesia does not maintain its own military forces; defense is provided by the United States under the Compact of Free Association (COFA). The FSM National Police has a maritime wing to oversee local security needs.

Defense Responsibility: United States
COFA: Entered into force in 1986
Law Enforcement: "Shiprider" agreements with the U.S. for maritime enforcement

Energy

Electricity access is relatively high in urban areas, but rural areas still face challenges. The country primarily relies on refined petroleum for energy needs.

Electricity Access: 85.3% of the total population (2022 est.)
Petroleum Consumption: 800 bbl/day (2023 est.)

Environment

Micronesia is facing several environmental challenges, including overfishing, rising sea levels, and water pollution. The country is a party to multiple international environmental agreements, acknowledging its commitment to sustainability.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 121,000 metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Municipal Solid Waste: 26,000 tons generated annually (2024 est.)
Recycling Rate: 15.2% of municipal solid waste (2022 est.)

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure in Micronesia includes several airports and a small merchant marine. The country has limited port facilities but has structured its transportation network to facilitate inter-island travel.

Airports: 7 (2025)
Merchant Marine: 38 vessels (2023)
Port Facilities: 4 total ports (2024)

Communications

Micronesia’s communication infrastructure includes mobile and fixed telephony, though television broadcasting is limited. Internet access is growing, with a substantial portion of the population now online.

Internet Users: 41% of the population (2022 est.)
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 22,000 (2021 est.)
Broadband Subscriptions: 7,000 (2022 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	99,603 (2024 est.)
Area	702 sq km
GDP	$432.679 million	(2024 est.)
Energy Consumption	800 bbl/day	(2023 est.)
Birth Rate	17.8 births/1,000	(2024 est.)
Unemployment	Data not available
Life Expectancy	75 years	(2024 est.)
Urban Population	23.4%	(2023)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions	121,000 metric tonnes	(2023 est.)
Public Debt	27.8% of GDP	(2020 est.)