Tucked in the western Pacific Ocean is a country made up of more than 600 islands scattered across an expanse of ocean – five times the size of France.
The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is an archipelago composed of both high volcanic islands and low-lying coral atolls, forming four island states: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae.
It has an estimated population of 105,500 with just 23.6 per cent living in urban areas.
Despite being independent since 1986, many people are unaware that FSM is a country because it shares its name with the larger geographical region in Oceania
Micronesia translates literally from Greek to ‘small islands’ and is home to lush forests and diverse coral reefs with incredible marine biodiversity, including many species of fish, manta rays and turtles.
The Micronesia region is made up of FSM, the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Nauru and Palau.
FSM’s beauty is characterised by remote, ‘castaway-worthy’ scenery and unique natural and cultural attractions, from the ancient ruins of Nan Madol to the WWII wrecks in Chuuk Lagoon.
As well as its tropical climate and white sand beaches, the country is known for having a lenient visa policy, granting visa-free entry for short stays to citizens of most countries.
Chuuk Lagoon, an atoll in the Federated States of Micronesia (pictured), is home to one of the highest concentrations of World War II shipwrecks in the world
The island of Pohnpei is known for its lush jungles, ancient ruins and coral reefs
For a stay of up to 30 days, most visitors do not need a visa but must have a valid passport, a round-trip ticket and complete a form on arrival.
For longer stays, visitors need to apply for an entry permit and the total stay period for most visitors is capped at 90 days, with the possibility of extensions. US citizens can stay indefinitely in the FSM.
The islands boast serene and unspoiled beaches, clear waters and lush green surroundings.
Tours of FSM often focus on the four main islands, offering a mix of historical sites, cultural experiences and outdoor activities like diving, snorkeling and hiking.
Pohnpei, which has been dubbed Micronesia’s Best Kept Secret, offers a mix of vibrant scenery and historical sites like the ancient ruins of the Nan Madol empire, located on the beach.
Often described as the ‘Venice of the Pacific,’ Nan Madol is a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its impressive, mysterious construction, which was completed without modern technology.
Chuuk Lagoon, an atoll in FSM, is home to one of the highest concentrations of World War II shipwrecks in the world, making it a premier wreck diving destination.
It was the Imperial Japanese Navy’s main base in the Pacific until February 1944 when the US launched a two-day aerial assault on the base, which resulted in the sinking of over 50 ships and 250 aircraft.
The site contains a high concentration of intact wrecks, including merchant vessels and warships, which have become an artificial reef and a major draw for divers.
Nan Madol, an archaeological site located in the Federated States of Micronesia, is pictured
The Micronesian area in the Western Pacific Ocean consists of the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Marshall Islands, Northern Mariana Islands and Guam
Traditional practices, like boat building, weaving and dance, continue to be important in Micronesian culture.
Pacific island countries are among the most vulnerable in the world to the climate crisis and there is concern that the low-lying islands could be badly affected by rising sea levels.
FSM has a focus on green initiatives related to climate change adaptation, resilience and sustainable development.
These efforts include developing climate-resilient agriculture, increasing renewable energy use, implementing integrated disaster risk management and strengthening health systems to cope with climate-induced health risks.
The country is also involved in initiatives like the ‘Blue Prosperity Micronesia’ project to establish marine protected areas to safeguard its ocean resources.
Fishing rights are a significant source of national revenue in FSM, alongside government employment and tourism.
It comes as the number of visitor arrivals to the island state of Yap almost doubling in the first eight months of 2024.
The Yap Visitors Bureau (YVB) attributes this growth to a comprehensive advertising, public relations, social media and trade show campaign targeting markets in Guam, the US and Europe.
Pictured: Kolonia, the capital of Pohnpei State in the Federated States of Micronesia
However, overall growth is constrained by the region’s remote location and underdeveloped infrastructure.
There are no direct flights from the UK to FSM and travellers are likely to travel more than 30 hours to get there depending on the route and layovers.
United Airlines offer an Island Hopper route between Guam and Honolulu, Hawaii, via several small islands in the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands.
The route, originally launched by Continental Micronesia in 1968, is the only scheduled service for many of the islands.
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