Micronesia (Federated States)
In 1979 the Federated States of Micronesia, a UN Trust Territory under US administration, adopted a constitution. In 1986 independence was attained under a Compact of Free Association with the United States. Present concerns include large-scale unemployment, overfishing, and overdependence on US aid.
There are currently no known threats to expatriate personnel traveling to or residing in the Federated States of Micronesia.
President Leo Falcam was elected by the Micronesian congress, in May 1999 from a choice of four senators, one from each constituent island. He was inaugurated in July 1999 for a 4-year term. A Pohnpeian, Falcam has identified economic development, the protection of cultural values and the establishment of effective international relations as priorities for his government.
Though formally independent, in 1986 Micronesia signed a "Compact of Free Association" with the United States. Under this, Washington assumed responsibility for defense until 2001, including the right to establish military bases and deny other nations access to Micronesia. In 2001, Micronesia agreed to mutually extend the defense portion of the compact, which will be reviewed each year. In return for joining the compact, Micronesia received financial assistance averaging 100 million dollars a year, and the right of Micronesians to free entry to reside and work in the US.
Micronesia is located 3680km (2300 miles) north of Australia and 4000km (2500 miles) west of Hawaii. They comprise 607 islands scattered over 1.6 million sq. km (617,761 sq. miles). The island group, the most widely spread of all Pacific Islands groups, includes the islands of Yap, Pohnpei, Kosrae and Chuuk (formerly Truk). The federal capital is located at Palikir, on the island of Pohnpei and close to its largest city, Kolonia. Micronesia is a constitutional democracy, and is party to a Compact of Free Association with the United States. It is a developing economy reliant on fishing, tourism, and agriculture.
