Yearbook 2009
Micronesia Federation. In January, Australia provided disaster relief to the island nation, which in December 2008 had been hit by floods caused by abnormally high waves and storms. Groundwater was polluted by salt water, farmland was submerged and nearly 20,000 people were affected by the floods in various ways. In March, the Federation’s Congress decided to spend $ 1.4 million to repair damage to the outer islands. In doing so, the congress ran over President Manny Mori, who had opposed the use of so much money from the fund intended for future use. The fund allocates part of the annual support that the Micronesia Federation receives from the United States. See ABBREVIATIONFINDER for abbreviation FM which stands for the nation of Micronesia.
On March 3, elections were held for the 14 seats of the Federal Congress. In addition, a new governor and new members were elected to the congress in the federation’s most populous state, Chuuk. According to countryaah, the members were elected through personal elections as there are no parties in the traditional sense in the country. The turnout was approximately 85 percent.
In November, the Micronesian Federation, along with ten other Pacific Islanders, demanded that the UN adopt a legally binding agreement at the Copenhagen climate summit in December. The group’s spokesman, Palau’s UN ambassador Stuart Beck, said before the UN General Assembly that only a binding climate agreement can save low-lying countries such as the Marshall Islands, Kiribati and Tuvalu. The disappointment was therefore great among the Pacific countries when it became clear that the climate summit did not lead to a binding UN document signed by all countries.
Shopping
Overview
“Lovesticks” and war clubs, colorful grass skirts, lava-lavas (woven from hibiscus bark), creches, bags for betel nuts and stone money. Shop opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; some shops also Sun 12.00-17.00.
Nightlife
Introduction
There are good restaurants and cinemas on the larger islands. Many hotels offer music and dance evenings and also have discos. The tourist offices organize traditional dance events.
Culinary
Overview
Local specialties are breadfruit (chuuk) and thin slices of raw fish dipped in a pepper sauce. Sakau (Pohnpei) or Kava (rest of the islands), from the root of a bush, has a mild narcotic effect when sifted through hibiscus bark. This drink is available in several Sakau bars and you can watch it being made. Some restaurants have buffets, but table service is more common. Alcohol is not allowed on Chuuk alone.
Culture
Religion
Predominantly Roman Catholic (50%) with a Protestant minority (47%).
Social Rules of Conduct
95% of the inhabitants of Kosrae belong to free communities, their day of rest is Sunday. Pre-European influences are particularly strong on Yap, and prior permission is required to visit this island. Some beaches and paths can also only be used with a permit. Bikinis should only be worn on the beach. Photographing: Always ask permission before photographing someone, as doing so can be taken as an insult, especially on the more remote islands.
Climate
Best travel time
Tropical with year-round high humidity, lots of rain. Typhoon season is from June to December.
Country data
Phone prefix
+691
Area (sq km)
702
Population
114,566
Population density (per square km)
150
Population statistics year
2020
Main emergency number
911