History

Across a distance of nearly 2,000 miles, the archipelago of Micronesia encompasses a land area of only 271 square miles. It is believed that the original inhabitants of Micronesia came from the Philippines and Indonesia about 1500 years before Christ. In 1521, Magellan made landfall in the Marianas and in 1565, Spain laid claim to the islands. In 1899, the Caroline Islands were sold to Germany and after World War I, the League of Nations gave Japan a mandate over the islands. Japan successfully developed the mining industry, and the fishing and agricultural (particularly sugarcane) domains. Part of the UN Trust Territory following World War II, Micronesia became independent of US administration in 1986. There are significant inter-island rivalries stemming from their different histories and cultures. Chuuk, the most populous but poorest state, has pushed for secession, but an independence referendum has been repeatedly postponed and may not be held.

Eligible Micronesians can live, work, and study in any part of the US and its territories without a visa - this privilege reduces stresses on the island economy and the environment. Micronesians serve in the US armed forces and military recruiting from the FSM, per capita, is higher than many US states.