Joel Hendon

The Federated States Of Micronesia And Their Peoples


Posted: Wednesday, December 02, 2009

by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html

Other than the fifty states which constitute this nation. the United States of America, we also have "territories" or outlying areas who are recognized as territories of ours. The relationships differ to some degree, but most of these parcels have their own government and are not legally a part of, or subject to our laws or rules. Actually, the first 13 Colonies, formed their government and each other was admitted by an act of congress at a later date. There are still some 6 territories which are regarded loosely as ours. Puerto Rico was afforded the opportunity to become a state but the voters opted not to do so.

One such territory is somewhat different to our others. There are numerous islands in the Pacific and here is a brief explanation from Wikipedia as to who the Federated States of Micronesia are and how they came to be considered "ours".

"The Federated States of Micronesia is an island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, north of New Guinea. It is a sovereign state in free association with the United States. The Federated States of Micronesia were formerly part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, a United Nations Trust Territory under U.S. administration. In 1979 they adopted a constitution, and in 1986 independence was attained under a Compact of Free Association with the United States."

A photo of the area also in Wikipedia will show the divisions of the islands into four different states (a number of small islands in each state) which constitute The Federated States of Micronesia. This string of islands are known as the Caroline Islands, however, all in the Caroline Islands area are not part of these four states. The states names are: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae. Notice the layout of the Island string. You will also notice in the inset northward, the Island Guam, Wake Atoll and the Northern Marianna Islands which are also U. S. Territories. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/be/CIA-FSM.jpg

The Federated States of Micronesia consists of 607 islands. Although their national language is English, there are several languages of the indigenous people used in these islands. There are reportedly 18 different live languages in all of Micronesia and numerous bloodlines also.

There are an enormous amount of islands in this portion of the Pacific ocean. The Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, Fiji Islands and many more. To be in the same general area and relatively small numbers, it is amazing the number of cultures and languages and mixes of the peoples.

There are hardships among the people in the FSM. The needs have become so acute that the government undertook a canvas of the people to discuss their needs and difficulties in affording them in a "Participatory Assessment of Hardship" in 2003 and 2004. The results showed much poverty and hardship in most of the islands. One statement from a 50 years old widow with 8 children can be read at: http://www.adb.org/Documents/Reports/Priorities_Poor/FSM/fsm0200.asp ( Photo:Building a boathouse courtesy FSM gov)

Their problems seem to be similar to those anywhere else except perhaps with few choices to help improve themselves. The weather is warm year round, averaging 79-81 degrees and heavily influenced by the trade winds, which bring in heavy seasonal rains. Typhoons, at times can cause heavy damages.

Another factor which is troubling for these islands is educational facilities. Many people live some distance from any schools and have difficulties in securing transportation for their children. Some young people find it necessary to work for food and cannot go to school. This has improved however since the Peace Corp from the U.S. Has furnished teachers to help. The 2000 census shows the following educational levels: No school - 12.3%, Pre-school/Kindergarten - 1%, Elementary School - 36%, High School - 32.3%, College - 18.4%.

The islands would be a great place for tourists and could realize considerable income from that, except for the fact they do not have adequate facilities not funds to construct such as would attract tourists.

Author Biography: Joel Hendon was born near Gadsden Alabama. He attended public schools in Cherokee County, Alabama and after serving a tour of duty in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, attended Jacksonville State University, majoring in Business Administration. He became a Christian in 1948, and although he followed secular work as a career and retired from Allied Signal Aerospace, he is an avid student of the Holy Bible and related works as well as biblical history. He has an extensive website of conservative religious and political articles.http://hebronics.org/index.html

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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Marijo Phelps
 2 years 165 days ago.
143 fans.
Beautiful piece -I worked with locals from there for a number of years through Every Home for Christ. Long distance though as I have never been there. Marijo
» left by Joel Hendon 2 years 164 days ago.
127 fans.
Hi Marijo and thanks for reading and commenting. I often wonder why some wealthy individuals don't partner up with these folks and build some good facilities to promote tourism. With their climate, I think I'd visit...especially in the winter.
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