Ran annim! Welcome to the “Thousands of Small Islands”—Micronesia!

Our journey brings us to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), an island nation spread across the western Pacific Ocean. There are around 115,000 people living here, and the capital is Palikir, located on the lush island of Pohnpei. While English is the official language for government and commerce, several indigenous languages like Chuukese, Pohnpeian, and Yapese are spoken daily.

Micronesia covers a tiny land area of about 702 square kilometers (271 square miles). To imagine its size, the total land is roughly four times the size of Washington, D.C. However, the country’s 607 islands are scattered across a massive 2.6 million square kilometers of the Pacific Ocean. The nation is divided into four states: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae, each with its own unique culture and geography.

The most popular sports are Basketball and Softball, though traditional canoe racing remains a vital cultural practice. Their national animal is the Fruit Bat, which plays a key role in the island ecosystems.

The flag consists of a light blue field with four white stars arranged in a diamond pattern, where the blue represents the Pacific Ocean and the stars symbolize the four states of the federation.

The food is a tropical delight focused on the “Three Cs”: coconut, cassava, and catch-of-the-day. You must try Sashimi, as the tuna here is among the freshest in the world. Another staple is Pohnpeian Sakau, a traditional drink made from the root of a pepper plant that has a relaxing effect. Uch, or breadfruit, is also a major part of the diet, often roasted or pounded into a paste.

Micronesia is home to Nan Madol, an ancient ruined city built on man-made basalt islands that is often called the “Venice of the Pacific.” On the island of Yap, you can find the famous Rai Stones—massive limestone discs used as traditional currency, some of which are over 3 meters (10 feet) in diameter and are still “spent” today for major transactions. For divers, Chuuk Lagoon is a world-renowned destination because it contains a massive “Ghost Fleet” of sunken Japanese WWII ships and planes, now covered in vibrant coral.

From the towering waterfalls of Kosrae to the traditional “Men’s Houses” of Yap, Micronesia is a land of ancient oceanic wisdom and pristine beauty. Kinisou chapur! That means “Thank you!”