Paraphrased from the Peace Corps Welcome Book to Micronesia:
History
"Micronesia" is derived from the Greek words micros, "small," and neso, "island."
Much of the early history of the islands was derived from archaeological artifacts since many of the distinct languages only existed in oral form until recently.
It is believed that more than 3,000 years ago, Austronesia-speaking Micronesian people entered the Pacific from Southeast Asia. These people probably first settled Guam and Saipan, and then the Western Carolines, including Palau and Yap. Settlers later migrated to Kosrae, Chuuk, and Pohnpei. The outer islands were most likely settled later, as their languages are dissimilar to those of the main islands.
European explorers first discovered the islands in the 16th century and grouped them into three categories: the Marshall Islands, the Eastern Caroline Islands (Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Chuuk), and the Western Caroline Islands (Yap and Palau).
The first known European contact dates to 1521, during Ferdinand Magellan's quest to find a trade route to the Spice Islands. The Spaniards developed a trade route across the Atlantic to South America, across South America, and onward into the Pacific. During the 18th and 19th centuries, traders, whalers, and missionaries also found their way to the islands. Due to the missionaries' influence all of the major islands, and even some outer islands, are almost entirely Christian today.
Following Spain's defeat in the Spanish-American War, Spain sold Palau and most of the Caroline Islands (which later became FSM) to Germany in 1899. The Germans were interested in the islands for coconut products initially, but deserted them in WWI, allowing easy takeover for Japan.
Japan built military bases on a couple of the islands as well as developed sugar mills in the Marianas, bauxite and phosphate mines in Palau, and fishing and shell production throughout the region. The Japanese used Micronesians as low-level manual laborers. They held the islands until their surrender after WWII, after which the islands remained under U.S. military control.
The United Nations formed the islands of Micronesia into the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands in 1947. The U.S. was given temporary administrative rights over the islands to prepare them for future independence. Although the intention was to prepare the islands for self-government, their economies relied heavily on U.S. government services and resources.
In 1965 the U.S. formed a congress to determine the islands' future and in 1979, Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap chose independence as freely associated states. The islands officially become the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) on November 3, 1983. The Republic of Palau took much longer because of its opposition to U.S. demands for control of the waters around the islands. It chose independence in 1981 and became the independent Republic of Palau on October 1, 1994.
Both the FSM and Palau have compact agreements with the U.S., spelling out the funds the U.S. will provide to each country over time and the strategic and defense advantages the U.S. will have in return. Many U.S. government social services (legal services, Head Start, education services) are available to the citizens of both FSM and Palau.
In 2003 FSM and the U.S. signed a compact agreement in which the U.S. will provide financial support for the next 20 years. The hope with the new compact is that it will create self-reliance, gradually phasing out U.S. social service programs and establishing a trust fund to help provide FSM with ongoing financial resources.
People and Culture
Approximately 60 of FSM's islands are inhabited. However, most of the Country's 102,600 citizens reside in the 4 major states: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae. Palau has a population of 21,000 spread out among the 8 permanently inhabited islands. Most live in Koror, the capital of Palau. The majority if the population of these two countries is young. 64% are under 24 years old.
The languages spoken on the main islands are distinct, and many more distinct languages exist on the outer islands. Therefore, English is the common language used amongst many Micronesians.
Christianity is the dominant religion in both countries. While Micronesians on most main islands dress conservatively, it is common for outer islanders to wear only lavalavas (sarongs) and loincloths.
A very strict caste system exists on Yap, and entry into the village requires permission from the village chief. Oh Pohnpei, the chiefs exert a great deal of influence as well and are treated like royalty.
Sakau (kava), an intoxicating drink, is part of both social and important celebrations on Pohnpei.
Betel nut (a palm nut) chewing is common throughout the islands in Yap and Palau.
Funerals, sometimes lasting for days, are important social events on the islands.
