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Micronesia, Federated States of

Country in the west Pacific Ocean, forming part of the archipelago of the Caroline Islands, 800 km/497 mi east of the Philippines.

Government

The 1979 constitution, incorporating the four states of Kosrae, Yap, Pohnpei, and Chuuk, created a single-chamber 14-member federal parliament, the National Congress of the FSM. Each state elects one ‘senator-at-large’ to the Congress for a four-year term, the remaining 10 senators being elected for two years, their seats distributed on a population basis. Each state has its own constitution, governor, and assembly. The federal president and vice-president are elected by the Congress from among the four ‘senators-at-large’. The president works with a cabinet of around five members. There are no organized political parties.

History

Originally colonized by Spain, the islands were purchased by Germany 1898 and then occupied by Japan during World War I. They were captured by the USA in World War II and designated a United Nations trust territory, under US administration, 1947. From 1965 there were demands for greater autonomy and a commission was set up to propose a future political status for the islands. In 1986 a Compact of Free Association with the USA came into force, under which the USA retained responsibility for the islands' defence and foreign affairs. In November 1986 US president Reagan issued a proclamation ending his country's administration of Micronesia, including the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The UN trusteeship arrangement was formally terminated 1990 and the FSM became an independent sovereign state. Diplomatic relations were established with neighbouring states and widespread international recognition followed. The FSM became a member of the UN 1991. Bailey Olter was elected president 1991 in the first elections since independence, and was re-elected 1995.

Caroline Islands

Nauru

Pacific Islands