A new nation

Federated States Of Micronesia

THE Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is a democratic constitutional federation of four states Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk and Yap. It came into being as a distinct political entity in 1979 and became an independent nation on November 3, 1986. Under a Compact of Free Association with the United States, the FSM is responsible for its own internal and foreign affairs, while the US has been delegated the responsibility for defence.

The FSM national government, which is based in Palikir, Pohnpei, and the state governments are divided into executive, legislative and judicial branches. The President and vice- President are elected by the FSM Congress from among its 14 senators, who are popularly elected to represent each state. Popularly elected governors head each state.

As a newly independent nation, the FSM is entering a period where it can consolidate the political gains made over the last two decades, develop self reliance, and revive its people’s pride in their ability to provide for themselves.

The population of FSM is estimated at around 100,500 with the growth rate exceeding three per cent per annum.

But since the Compact was signed, outward migration of about two per cent occurs each year, effectively lowering the growth rate to one per cent.

The people of FSM are classified as Micronesians, although some inhabi tants of Pohnpei are of Polynesian origin. The cultural diversity is typified by the existence of eight major indigenous languages. The cultural similarities are indicated by the importance of the traditional extended family and clan systems found on each island.

Each of the states has developed unique cultural characteristics.ln Kos rae the Congregational Church plays an important role in everyday life, while in Chuuk clan relationships remain an important factor. Yap continues as the most traditional society in Micronesia with a strong caste system. And over the last decade Pohnpei has rapidly devel oped as the most westernised state in

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