Micronesia consists of the Caroline Islands Archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean. In 1899 Spain sold the islands to Germany. Japan later occupied the region and fortified the islands just before World War II. In 1986 these 600 islands and atolls, formerly part of the U.S.-administered Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, became self-governing in free association with the United States. American aid is crucial to the islands' economy.
ECONOMYIndustry: tourism, construction, fish processing, specialized aquaculture, craft items from shell, wood, and pearls.
Agriculture: black pepper, tropical fruits and vegetables, coconuts, cassava (tapioca); pigs.
Exports: fish, garments, bananas, black pepper.Text source:
National Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition, 2004
