In 2002, Micronesia was an island country located in the Pacific Ocean with a population of approximately 100,000 people. The economy was largely based on tourism and fishing. In terms of infrastructure, the country had relatively limited access to roads and telecommunications networks. Education was also relatively limited with approximately 70% of the population being literate. According to computerannals, Micronesia had been making progress in recent years in terms of economic growth and poverty reduction. The government had implemented several economic reform measures such as reducing trade tariffs and increasing foreign investment which had helped to boost the country’s economy. In addition, efforts were being made to improve health care services and access to education for all citizens. As a result of these initiatives, Micronesia had achieved a higher standard of living than many other developing countries in the region at that time.

Yearbook 2002

HUMAN AND ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY

Island state of Oceania, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The demographic trend (107,008 residents at the 2000 census ; about 110,000 according to a 2005 estimate) appears to be characterized by a high natural increase (the birth and death rates were respectively 24.68 ‰ and 4.75 ‰ in 2006), which is contrasted by a conspicuous migration rate (- 21 ‰). The population consists of nine Micronesian and Polynesian ethnic groups as well as a small minority of Filipinos and mestizos. The capital, Palikir, on Pohnpei Island, counted 6227 at the 2000 census residents.

Agriculture has long been the archipelago’s main economic resource, however the sector appears to be in decline; both fishing and the sale of the relative licenses now represent the main, most important source of income for the population at the beginning of the 2000s. Foreign commercial fleets (largely Japanese commercial fleets) pay an average of $ 20 million annually for the right to operate in the territorial waters belonging to the federation.

In 2004 an agreement was signed with the European Union lasting three years: the European Union paid 560,000 euros for 8600 tons of fish per year; The 18 % of this income was used to finance programs that are designed to promote the sustainable exploitation of its resources to fishing activity. Tourist activities are developing (about 20,000 arrivals per year), even if it is still only an elite tourism, made up of scuba diving enthusiasts, attracted by the beauty of the submarine platform and the richness of the fish fauna. Finally, financial aid from the United States is decisive for the Micronesian economy.

Micronesia Federation. At least 46 people were killed and about 100 injured when a typhoon swept over the state of Chuuk in July. The storm caused landslides that devastated crops and housing.

According to Countryaah website, national day of Micronesia is every November 3. Bamboo fleets with skeletons, which were washed up on beaches during 2001–02, confuse the police. Thirteen fleets of five people, including one child, have been discovered. The fleets are made of giant bamboo, which does not grow in M., which is why the authorities suspect that they come from another country, possibly Indonesia.

Micronesia Federation has entered into an agreement with the United States not to extradite American soldiers to the new International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.

Micronesia Country Overview

Visas and admission
Finnish citizen does not need a visa to FSM. The passport must be valid for 120 days after leaving the country. Visa policies and rates are subject to change without notice depending on local authorities.

• According to ABBREVIATIONFINDER.ORG, FM stands for Micronesia.

Insurance
Every person participating in the trip must have a valid travel insurance that covers medical expenses in the event of illness or other similar need. Please check the validity of your own insurance and the terms and conditions of the insurance cancellation cover.

Please pay attention to the special nature of your trip and check the coverage of the insurance in that respect as well.

Many dive trips require more extensive insurance. Please check the contents of your insurance with your insurance company.

Currency: The currency of Micronesia is the United States Dollar (USD). € 1 = about $ 1.12.

Vaccinations 
Check that your basic vaccinations are valid (tetanus, polio and diphtheria and MPR). Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are recommended for the trip.

Always check the vaccination requirements at the health center or the Vaccination Advice of the Tourist Clinic

Time difference between Yap and Chuuk 9 hours, Pohnpei and Kosrae 10 hours

Electric current
The electric current is 120 V / 60 Hz. Sockets are similar to, for example, the United States and Canada.

Safety
 We stay in safe areas during our trip, but general caution within common sense is desirable throughout the trip.

For more information on traveling in the country, visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.

Climate
Micronesia has a tropical climate, with almost daily rainfall. Humidity and steady temperature remain high throughout the year. Pohnpei is known as one of the wettest places in the world. Typhoons may occur from July to November.

Travel
Seasons Micronesia is a year-round travel destination. Summer time is from December to April and winter time is from May to November. The highest rainfall is from July to December.

Eco-friendly tourism
We try to act according to ecological principles and respect local people, customs and fauna on all our trips in order to save these experiences for others as well.