The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is a country located in the western Pacific Ocean, and in the Micronesia cultural and ecological sub-region of Oceania. The Federated States of Micronesia is an independent sovereign island nation and a United States associated state consisting of four states —from west to east, Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae. Together, the states comprise around 607 islands.
Though formally independent, in 1986 Micronesia signed a “Compact of Free Association” with the US. Under this, Washington took on responsibility for defence and gained the right to set up military bases and deny other nations’ access to Micronesia.
It has the 14th largest exclusive economic zone in the world. The FSM has a population of about 110,000 inhabitants. The largest island is Pohnpei, home to the nation’s capital Palikir. Largest city is Weno on Chuuk, a huge atoll west of Pohnpei. English is the official language.