Micronesia comprises four archipelagos: the Federated States of Micronesia (Caroline Islands), the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands and the Republic of Palau. Each archipelago is composed of hundreds of island groups, within which there are many islands varying widely in topography. Marshall Islands: Many of the atolls are dotted with Flame of the Forest, hibiscus and different-coloured plumeria flowers. There are also at least 160 species of coral surrounding the islands. There are many historic sites and it is possible to snorkel over World War II wrecks. Federated States of Micronesia: The most important historical sites include The Spanish Wall and Catholic Bell Tower in Pohnpei. The island has some beautiful natural sites such as the waterfalls at Kepirohi and Sahwartik with pools that are ideal for bathing. Northern Mariana Islands: The Northern Marianas host a variety of scenery including beautiful bays, spectacular cliffs, caves and mountains. At Abbas on the northern shore of Tinian, there are blow holes where incoming waves shoot 20 feet into the air. Palau: Babeldaob is Palau’s biggest island. Twenty-seven miles long and 15 miles across at its widest, it is covered in dense foliage. The terrain is varied with steep mountains, freshwater lakes and sand dunes. Visitors can also explore the extraordinary stone monoliths dotted along the coastline, which serve as impressive monuments to Palau’s earliest civilisation. Most hotels serve continental, Japanese, Chinese, Western-style and local cuisine. On some remote islands a visitor might be welcomed with a feast of fish, clams, octopus, langusta, sea cucumber and eels.

7,800,000 sq km (3,000,000 sq miles) of which 1846.3 sq km (721.2 sq miles) is land.

See individual entries.

Micronesia comprises four archipelagos: the Federated States of Micronesia (Caroline Islands), the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands and the Republic of Palau. Each archipelago is composed of hundreds of island groups, within which there are many islands varying widely in topography. A more detailed description is given under the individual section for each country. There are three distinct population groups: Malayans who passed through Indonesia and The Philippines; Melanesians coming from the islands of the southwest Pacific; and Polynesians who inhabited the South Pacific.

English, Japanese and nine local languages.

Roman Catholic and Protestant with Mormon and Baha’i minorities.

110/120 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs are the US flat two-pin type.

The Western understanding of private property is alien to many parts of Micronesia and personal possessions should be well looked after, though not necessarily under lock and key; outside main tourist areas, where normal precautions apply, it is usually sufficient just to keep items out of sight. All land, however, does have an owner and before using it, protocol in many areas demands that permission is sought; in places this includes use of footpaths as there is not necessarily immediate right of way. A clearly expressed desire to be courteous will usually see the visitor through; see individual sections for further details.