Micronesia Facts, Micronesia Flag -- National Geographic

Fast Facts

Population:: 108,000
Capital:: Palikir; 7,000
Area:: 702 square kilometers (271 square miles)
Language:: English, Trukese, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Kosraean, Ulithian
Religion:: Roman Catholic, Protestant
Currency:: U.S. dollar
Life Expectancy:: 68
GDP per Capita:: U.S. $2,000
Literacy Percent:: 89

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.

ECONOMY

Industry: 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 From National Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition

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