Geography

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is part of Oceania, an island group in the North Pacific Ocean. It is situated about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Indonesia. The country itself encompasses 607 islands which have been politically grouped into four states: Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap. The national capitol is Palikir on the island of Pohnpei.

The climate is tropical with heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern islands. The FSM is located on southern edge of the typhoon belt and occasionally experiences severe storm damage.

The islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low, coral atolls. Volcanic outcroppings are prominent on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Chuuk.