Moving to Micronesia: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

4 facts — expand for details.

Population

104,719

Population Growth Rate

-0.38%

Urban Population

22.600000

Population in Major Urban Areas

PALIKIR (capital) 7,000

6 facts — expand for details.

Age Structure

30.810000

Median Age

23.400000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

21

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

4.27

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

2.68

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.050000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

-20.95

Ethnic Groups

nine ethnic Micronesian and Polynesian groups

Nationality Noun

Micronesian(s)

5 facts — expand for details.

Literacy - total population

89%

Literacy - male

91%

Literacy - female

88%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

0.000000

10 facts — expand for details.

Life Expectancy at Birth

72.070000

Infant Mortality Rate

22.710000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

22.710000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

100

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.18

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

3.2

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

13.4%

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

40.6%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

94.800000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

85.100000

4 facts — expand for details.

Economic Overview

Economic activity consists largely of subsistence farming and fishing, and government, which employs two-thirds of the adult working population and receives funding largely - 58% in 2013 – from Compact of Free Association assistance provided by the US.

The islands have few commercially valuable mineral deposits.

The potential for tourism is limited by isolation, lack of adequate facilities, and limited internal air and water transportation.

Under the terms of the original Compact, the US provided $1.3 billion in grants and aid from 1986 to 2001.

The US and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) negotiated a second (amended) Compact agreement in 2002-03 that took effect in 2004.

The amended Compact runs for a 20-year period to 2023; during which the US will provide roughly $2.1 billion to the FSM.

The amended Compact also develops a trust fund for the FSM that will provide a comparable income stream beyond 2024 when Compact grants end.

The country's medium-term economic outlook appears fragile because of dependence on US assistance and lackluster performance of its small and stagnant private sector.

Industries

tourism, construction, fish processing, specialized aquaculture, craft items from shell, wood, and pearls

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$3,000.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

-0.2%

9 facts — expand for details.

GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$390,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$3,000.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

-0.2%

GDP - official exchange rate

$307,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 83.5% government
• consumption: 41.8% investment in fixed
• assets: 24.3% investment in
• inventories: 0% exports of goods and
• services: 26.6% imports of goods and
• services: -76.2%

GDP - note

GDP supplemented by grant aid, averaging perhaps $100 million annually

GDP by Sector- agriculture

26.3%

GDP by Sector- Industry

18.9%

GDP by Sector- services

54.8%

5 facts — expand for details.

Inflation Rate

2.2%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

US dollar (USD)

Currency Name and Code

US Dollar (USD)

Fiscal Year

1 October - 30 September

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

14.35%

5 facts — expand for details.

Labor Force

16,360

Unemployment Rate

22%

Major Industries

tourism, construction, fish processing, specialized aquaculture, craft items from shell, wood, and pearls

Agriculture Products

black pepper, tropical fruits and vegetables, coconuts, cassava (tapioca), betel nuts, sweet potatoes; pigs, chickens

Population Below Poverty Line

26.7%

4 facts — expand for details.

Labor Force by Occupation - note

two-thirds of the labor force are government employees

Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

0.9%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

20.6%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

78.5%

Labor Force by Occupation - note

two-thirds of the labor force are government employees

Annual Budget

$166,000,000 (USD)

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

1.5%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

31.6%

9 facts — expand for details.

Full Country Name

Federated States of Micronesia

Country Name

none

Local - Long

Federated States of Micronesia

Local - Short

none

Abbreviation

FSM

Former Name

• New Philippines
• Caroline Islands
• Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Ponape, Truk, and Yap Districts

Etymology- history of name

the term "Micronesia" is a 19th-century construct of two Greek words, "micro" (small) and "nesoi" (islands), and refers to thousands of small islands in the western Pacific Ocean

Independence

3 November 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)

National Holiday

Constitution Day, 10 May (1979)

10 facts — expand for details.

Government Type

federal republic in free association with the US

Constitution

• history: drafted June 1975, ratified 1 October 1978, entered into force 10 May 1979
• amendments: proposed by Congress, by a constitutional convention, or by public petition; passage requires approval by at least three-fourths majority vote in at least three fourths of the states; amended 1990; note – at least every 10 years as part of a general or special election, voters are asked whether to hold a constitution convention; a majority of affirmative votes is required to proceed; amended many times, last in 2019 (approval by referendum to hold a constitutional convention)

Legal System:

mixed legal system of common and customary law

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President Wesley W. SIMINA (since 12 May 2023); Vice President Aren B. PALIK (since 12 May 2023); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
• head of government: President Wesley W. SIMINA (since 12 May 2023); Vice President Aren B. PALIK (since 12 May 2023)
• cabinet: Cabinet includes the vice president and the heads of the 8 executive departments
• elections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected by Congress from among the 4 'at large' senators for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 12 May 2023 (next to be held in 2027)
• election results: David W. PANUELO elected president by Congress; Yosiwo P. GEORGE reelected vice president

Legislative Branch:

• Description: unicameral Congress (14 seats; 10 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 2-year terms and 4 at- large members directly elected from each of the 4 states by proportional representation vote to serve 4-year terms)
• Elections: last held on 7 March 2023 (next to be held in March 2025)
• Election Results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independent 14;
• Composition: men 12, women 2; percentage of women 14.3%

Judicial Branch:

• office: justices appointed by the FSM president with the approval of two-thirds of Congress; justices appointed for life
• subordinate courts: the highest state-level courts
• are: Chuuk Supreme Court; Korsae State Court; Pohnpei State Court; Yap State Court

Regions or States:

• Summary: 4 states
• Chuuk (Truk)
• Kosrae (Kosaie)
• Pohnpei (Ponape)
• Yap

Political Parties and Leaders:

• no formal parties

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: at least one parent must be a citizen of FSM dual citizenship
• recognized: no residency requirement for
• naturalization: 5 years

Capital Name

• Palikir note: Palikir became the new capital of the country in 1989, three years after independence
• Kolonia, the former capital, remains the site for many foreign embassies
• it also serves as the Pohnpei state capital

Capital - geographic coordinate

6 55 N, 158 09 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) time zone note: Micronesia has two time zones

4 facts — expand for details.

International Organization Participation:

• ACP
• ADB
• AOSIS
• FAO
• G-77
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICRM
• IDA
• IFC
• IFRCS
• IMF
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ITSO
• ITU
• MIGA
• OPCW
• PIF
• Sparteca
• SPC
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• WHO
• WMO

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Jennifer JOHNSON (since 13 September 2023)
• Embassy: 1286 US Embassy Place, Kolonia, Pohnpei, FM 96941
• Mailing Address: 4120 Kolonia Place, Washington, D.C. 20521-4120
• Telephone: [691] 320-2187
• FAX: [691] 320-2186
• Email: koloniaacs@state.gov
• Website: https://fm.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Jackson T. SORAM (since 27 February 2024)
• Chancery: 1725 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
• Telephone: [1] (202) 223-4383
• FAX: [1] (202) 223-4391
• Email: dcmission@fsmembassy.fm
• Website: https://fsmembassy.fm/
• Consulate(s) General: Honolulu, Portland (OR), Tamuning (Guam)

5 facts — expand for details.

Geographic Location

Oceania

Geographic Coordinates

6 55 N, 158 15 E

Total Area

271 Square Miles 702 Square Kilometers

Land Area

271 Square Miles 702 Square Kilometers

Coastline

3,798 Miles 6,112 Kilometers

5 facts — expand for details.

Terrain

islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low, coral atolls

volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Chuuk

Highest Point

791 Meters

Highest Point Location

Dolohmwar (Totolom) 791 m

Lowest Point Location

Pacific Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources

forests, marine products, deep-seabed minerals

Time Zone

UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) time zone note: Micronesia has two time zones

4 facts — expand for details.

Climate

Pohnpei is one of the wettest spots on Earth, with an annual rainfall of about 200 inches a year in Kolonia and as much as 400 inches in the interior.

Rain falls heavily throughout the year, though January through March are the least rainy months.

Northeasterly trade winds blow most of the year, but damaging tropical storms generally bypass Pohnpei.

The temperature averages 81°F year round.

Evenings are mild, in the low 70s, and daytime temperatures seldom exceed the upper 80s.

Humidity is high, averaging 89%, resulting in rapid growth of mildew and mold in non-air-conditioned environments.

Air quality is excellent and free of pollutants.

Terrain

islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low, coral atolls

volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Chuuk

Location

Oceania, island group in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Indonesia

Total Area

271 Square Miles 702 Square Kilometers

Environment - Current Issues

overfishing, climate change, pollution

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

4 facts — expand for details.

Exports

$14,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$132,700,000 (USD)

Major Exports

fish, garments, bananas, black pepper

Major Imports

food, manufactured goods, machinery and equipment, beverages

Top Export Partners

Japan, US, Guam

Top Import Partners

US, Australia, Japan

Export Partners

Japan, US, Guam

Import Partners

US, Australia, Japan

2 facts — expand for details.

Country Description

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is composed of over 600 islands and atolls spanning one million square miles of the western Pacific Ocean.

The FSM isa federation of four semi-autonomous states (Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap), each of which retains considerable autonomy overdomestic affairs, including state civil and criminal justice systems.

The federal capital is located at Palikir, on the island of Pohnpei, close to Pohnpei’s largest town, Kolonia.

The FSM is a constitutional democracy.

The United States extends security guarantees and economic assistance to the FSM under the Compact of Free Association.

Under the Compact, FSM citizens may enter the U.S. to study and work without visas.

Safety & Security

Always maintain a high level of security, be alert to any unusual activity around your home or business, and report any suspicious incidents to local police authorities.

Unexploded ordnance remains from the heavy fighting and bombardment that took place in and around the islands of Micronesia during World War II.

Exercise caution when you travel or dive in the region, especially in Yap harbor and in Chuuk lagoon.

It is illegal, as well as dangerous, to remove “souvenirs” from sunken WWII vessels and aircraft.

2 facts — expand for details.

Crime

Throughout the country, foreigners have reportedly been subjected to and singled out for theft and verbal and physical abuse.

Alcohol- and drug-related attacks, as well as drunk driving accidents, are a particular concern during weekend and evening hours.

The Embassy encourages extra caution during the holidays, when alcohol consumption is especially high.

Do not attempt to intervene in disputes between local citizens.

Dress conservatively: it is considered impolite for females to wear clothing that exposes anything above the knee.

Modern swimwear may be considered immodest by local standards, and people wearing such clothing outside of hotels that cater to tourists could likely be harassed.

Additionally, we suggest women travel in groups and walk in well-lit areas.

Crime rates are higher in Chuuk than in the other states; you should exercise extreme caution at all times, stay off the streets after dark, and ensure that the hotel where you are staying is prepared to assist you in an emergency.

Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only are the counterfeit items illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in the FSM, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from those in the U.S.

It is very important to know what is legal and what is not where you are going.

Criminal penalties will also vary from country to country.

If you break local laws in the FSM, your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

If you violate FSM laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

In the FSM, for example, driving under the influence could land you in jail immediately.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in the FSM are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

There are also things that might be legal in the FSM you but illegal in the United States.

You can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States with severe penalties.

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case in the FSM.

To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and/or prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained.

2 facts — expand for details.

Medical Facilities

Health care facilities in the FSM consist of state-run hospitals on each of the four major islands and a few scattered clinics.

These facilities often lack basic supplies and medicines, and the quality of health care is very low.

Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Medical evacuation for non-ambulatory patients may not be immediately available and can be mexpensive.

Scuba divers should note that although there are decompression chambers in Yap, Chuuk, and Pohnpei, their availability and staff experience in treating diving injuries vary considerably.

Traffic Safety

While in FSM, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

Most roads in the FSM are in terrible condition.

Though rare, when traffic accidents do happen, they often result in fatalities.

The information below concerning the FSM is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Speed limits throughout the FSM are very low: 20 miles per hour (mph) in most places; 15 mph in school zones when children are present.

However, the “normal” driving speed is considerably lower; it is not uncommon for drivers to drive at 5 to 10 mph, even when there is no traffic.

Driving is on the right-hand side of the road, as in the United States.

However, the majority of vehicles in FSM are right-hand drive vehicles imported from Japan; they are not designed to operate on the FSM road network.

Drivers in these vehicles do not have an optimum field of vision, which can interfere with driving manoeuvres and the driver's ability to establish visual contact with other road users.

Most roads are narrow and without sidewalks, creating hazards for both drivers and the FSM’s numerous pedestrians.

Most roads are in very poor condition, with potholes and little or no shoulder to pull to the side.

Roads outside towns are mostly unpaved.

All roads are used simultaneously by pedestrians, playing children, animals, and vehicles.

Road conditions can worsen significantly after heavy rains, which occur frequently.

There is no formal training in road safety or driving, so many drivers are mof road safety rules.

Drivers often make sudden turns or stop without warning to chat with or pick up pedestrians.

Taxis are available in state capitals, but you should always be careful since many taxi drivers are reckless.

Drunk drivers can create serious hazards, particularly on weekend evenings and holidays.

Motorcyclists are required by law to wear helmets, though this is rarely enforced.

If you intend to be a resident to the FSM, you should acquire a local driver’s license with the State Police.

In most cases, the police will issue a local license to anyone who presents a U.S. driver’s license.

If you will be in the FSM temporarily, a U.S. driver’s license itself is sufficient to rent a car and drive for the duration of your visit.

5 facts — expand for details.

Airports - total

6

Airports with Paved Runways

6

Roadways- total

149 Miles 240 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

26 Miles 42 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Colonia (Yap), Kolonia (Pohnpei), Lele, Moen

7 facts — expand for details.

Telephones

8,700

Cell Phones

27,400

Internet Users

15,000

Internet Country Code

.fm

Internet Hosts

3,097

Broadcast Media

• no TV broadcast stations
• each state has a multi-channel cable service with TV transmissions carrying roughly 95% imported programming and 5% local programming
• about a half dozen radio stations

Telephone System

• assessment: adequate system
• domestic: islands interconnected by shortwave radiotelephone (used mostly for government purposes), satellite (Intelsat) ground stations, and some coaxial and fiber-optic cable; mobile-cellular service available on Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap
• international: country code - 691; satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

178,600,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

192,000,000

Anthem Lyrics English

Across All Micronesia 'Tis here we are pledging, with heart and with hand, Full measure of devotion to thee, our native land, Full measure of devotion to thee, our native land.

Now all join the chorus, let union abide.

Across all Micronesia join hands on every side, Across all Micronesia join hands on every side.

We all work together, with hearts, voice and hand, Till we have made these islands another promised land, Till we have made these islands another promised land.