Kosrae (five islands) – 110 sq km (42 sq miles); Pohnpei (163 islands) – 344 sq km (133 sq miles); Chuuk (formerly Truk) (294 islands) – 127 sq km (49 sq miles); Yap (145 islands) – 119 sq km (46 sq miles). Total: 702 sq km (270.8 sq miles).

108,105 (2005).

156 per sq km.

Palikir (Pohnpei). Population: 35,000 (2005).

The Federated States of Micronesia lie 3680km (2300 miles) north of Australia and 4000km (2500 miles) west of Hawaii. They comprise 607 islands scattered over 1.6 million sq km (617,761 sq miles), the most widely spread Pacific Islands group. Yap’s uplands are covered by dry meadows and scrub growth. Chuuk lagoon is circled by one of the largest barrier reefs in the world, while Pohnpei has mountains rising to over 600m (2000ft).

Federal Republic since 1980. Gained self-governing status (in free association with the USA) in 1986. Head of State and Government: President Joseph J. Urusemal since 2003.The Federated States of Micronesia became a US-administered Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands in 1947. This followed successive colonisation by the Portuguese, Spanish and Germans, and latterly Japanese rule between the two World Wars, under a mandate from the League of Nations (a forerunner of the United Nations). In November 1986, the Federated States signed a Compact of Free Association with the USA, allowing for near-independence with US defence support. Admission to and support from the South Pacific Forum – an association that groups Australasia with the smaller Pacific island nations – has been particularly valuable. Other than political matters, successive Governments – including the present administration of Premier Leo Falcam, elected in 1999 – have been pre-occupied with the economic situation, as the Federated States suffer from remoteness and lack of industry and infrastructure. There is some development potential, particularly in the fishing and fish-processing industry, but Micronesia has some way to go before it ceases to be dependent on aid from the USA, which amounted to US$1.3 billion between 1986 and 2001. In 1991, the Federated States of Micronesia were admitted to the UN.

English; Micronesian languages, including Chuukese, Kosrean, Pohnpian and Yapese, are widely spoken.

Mostly Roman Catholic (50 per cent), Protestant (47 per cent) and other Christian denominations (3 per cent).

120 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs are of the round two pin type.

There are considerable variations of custom and belief. Approximately 95 per cent of Kosreans are Congregationalists with a deeply held respect for Sunday as a day of rest. Pre-European influences are stronger elsewhere and nowhere more so than in Yap where visitors are only allowed with prior permission. Use of islands, paths, beaches etc may also require permission in many areas; it is best to check beforehand. Photography: Permission should always be sought. Though people are friendly, and usually accommodating, not to seek prior permission before taking pictures is considered an insult, especially on some of the more remote islands.