Micronesia
About Micronesia
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Language | English |
| Capital | Palikir |
The archipelago of islands that make up the Federated States of Micronesia were first located by Spanish explorers in 1500. In 1898, the Caroline Islands (now Micronesia and Palau), came under German control until 1914 where they were occupied by Japan during the First World War. During the second World War, the islands were used as battle grounds by the United States and at the end of the war, they became UN trust territory under US administration. It was not until 1986, when a Compact of Free Association agreement was signed by the US, that Micronesia, the 4 most eastern Caroline island groups, gained independence. This agreement gives the US exclusive rights to the islands of Micronesia for military operations and, in turn, it provides Micronesia with defence, financial support and access to US domestic services and labour markets. The islands of Micronesia are composed of 4 major islands groups, and over 600 islands, in the western Pacific ocean. The president of Micronesia is both the chief of state and the head of government. The population of Micronesia was estimated to be 104,196 people in 2017. Subsistence farming and fishing are the primary industries of Micronesia, though the country is heavily reliant on US foreign aid. Due to its location, Micronesia has a tropical climate – heavy rainfall throughout the year, high humidity, and an average yearly temperature of 27ºC.
Recommended Vaccinations For Micronesia
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine
BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in the country for more than 3 months.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.
Recommended Medications For Micronesia
There are no recommendations for Micronesia at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Micronesia
For Most Travellers
Chikungunya Fever
Chikungunya fever may occur in this country.
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.
Dengue Fever
Dengue fever may occur in this country.
For Some Travellers
Measles
There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Rabies
The risk of acquiring Rabies is low. Micronesia is free of dog rabies. However, it may be present in bats. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) may be at risk.
Zika Fever
Zika virus may occur in this country.
Tuberculosis
Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with a sick person.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in this country, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.
Safety & Security in Micronesia
Personal Safety
The Federated States of Micronesia has a low overall crime rate, but you face real risks. Petty crime like pickpocketing, purse snatching, and residential break-ins happens, especially in Chuuk State. Travelers report sexual and physical assaults. Police have limited resources to investigate crimes. Crime increases significantly at night, particularly when alcohol is involved. Alcohol-related attacks and driving accidents are not uncommon on weekends and after dark. Outside city limits, local residents may carry weapons for intimidation. Avoid walking alone at night in isolated locations and on beaches. Chuuk State has higher crime rates than other states, with assaults on foreign citizens reported. If visiting Chuuk, stay on public roads and in public venues and limit nighttime travel.
Extreme Violence
Violent crime is rare in the Federated States of Micronesia. The country is relatively safe from organized crime and extreme violence. The country is the least affected by gun violence in the Western Pacific region. Arms trafficking is limited and cases of extortion and protection racketeering have not been recorded. While assault does occur, particularly in Chuuk State, the overall level of violent crime remains low. In April 2023, a Filipino resident of Kosrae with ties to the LGBTQ community was found dead in his home, and two locals were subsequently charged with murder, manslaughter, and aggravated assault. Unexploded ordnance from World War II remains present, especially in sunken vessels and aircraft in Chuuk, Yap, and surrounding channels. It is dangerous and illegal to remove objects from these wrecks.
Political Unrest
The Federated States of Micronesia is a relatively stable democracy with regular, competitive elections. Civil unrest is rare. Secessionist movements, particularly from Chuuk State, have sometimes unsettled politics. A referendum on Chuuk independence has been delayed multiple times since 2019. Political debates around the Pacific Islands Forum membership occurred in 2021-2022 but were resolved. The government maintains effective control over security forces. The judiciary is independent and civil liberties are generally respected. Elections are administered fairly with no reports of fraud or irregularities in recent years. There are no formal political parties, but no restrictions on their formation. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent, though this is uncommon. Avoid protests and demonstrations if they occur.
Areas To Avoid
Chuuk State has higher crime rates than other states. Crime increases significantly throughout the country at night and in isolated areas. Remote and less populated areas of Chuuk State have higher crime rates and limited infrastructure. Stay off the streets after dark on Weno, the main island of Chuuk. Avoid isolated locations and beaches at night across all states. Unexploded World War II ordnance exists in Yap harbor channels and surrounding waterways. Exercise extra care when boating or diving in these areas. Beach and sea conditions can be dangerous throughout the islands. Tidal changes cause powerful currents in coastal lagoons, and riptides are common. Several drownings occur each year. Beaches are not usually supervised by lifeguards, and rescue services may not meet international standards. Consult residents and tour operators about possible hazards and safe swimming areas before entering the water.
