Micronesia - ICT Onlineeco-tourism, and the ancient ruined city of Nan Madol on Pohnpei. The Asian...

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Transcript of Micronesia - ICT Onlineeco-tourism, and the ancient ruined city of Nan Madol on Pohnpei. The Asian...

Page 1: Micronesia - ICT Onlineeco-tourism, and the ancient ruined city of Nan Madol on Pohnpei. The Asian Development Bank has identified tourism as one of FSM's highest potential growth
Page 2: Micronesia - ICT Onlineeco-tourism, and the ancient ruined city of Nan Madol on Pohnpei. The Asian Development Bank has identified tourism as one of FSM's highest potential growth

THE FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is an island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, north of Papua New Guinea. The word Micronesia originates from the Greek word mikros which means small and nesos which means island. The Federated States of Micronesia is located in the region known as Micronesia, which consists of hundreds of small islands divided in eight territories. The term Micronesia may refer to the Federated States or to the region as a whole.

AREA: 271 sq mi (702 sq km). Land area, includes islands of Pohnpei, Yap, Chuuk, and Kosrae GOVERNMENT: Democratic Federared Presidential Republic CAPITAL: Palikir

POPULATION & LANGUAGE: Federated States of Micronesia has a population of 107,665 (July 2008 est.).English has become the common language of the government, and for secondary and tertiary education. There are eight major indigenous languages of the Malayo-Polynesian linguistic family spoken in the FSM: Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaian, Chuukese, Pohnpeian, Kosraean, Nukuoro, and Kapingamarangi.

GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATE: The Federated States of Micronesia consists of 607 islands extending 1,800 miles (2,900 km) across the archipelago of the Caroline Islands east of the Philippines. The four constituent island groups are Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae. FSM enjoys a tropical climate, with relatively even, warm temperatures throughout the year. The climate in the FSM averages 80° F year round. Rainfall is heaviest during the summer months. The rainfall on each island varies. Trade winds come mainly from the northeast from December to June. Pohnpei reputedly is one of the wettest places on Earth, with some locations on the interior of the island receiving up to 330 inches of rain per year. The trade wind season generally occurs from December to March.

PEOPLE The people of Micronesia are classified as Micronesians, although some inhabitants of Pohnpei State are of Polynesian origin. They are actually a heterogeneous mixture with different customs and traditions bound together by recent history and common aspiration. The cultural diversity is typified by the existence of eight major indigenous languages, although English remains the official language of commerce. The cultural similarities are indicated by the importance of traditional extended family and clan systems found on each island.

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CULTURE Each of the four States has its own culture and traditions, but there are also common cultural and economic bonds that are centuries old. In Kosrae State, the Congregational Church plays an extremely important role in everyday life while in Chuuk, clan relationships remain an important factor. Yap continues as the most traditional society in the FSM with strong caste system. Over the last 15 years Pohnpei has rapidly developed as the most westernized state in the nation.

ECONOMY

The fishing industry over here is highly important. Foreign commercial fishing fleets pay over $14 million annually for the right to operate in FSM territorial waters. These licensing fees account for 28% of the national government revenues. Exports of marine products, mainly to Japan, account for nearly 85% of export revenues. Around 18,000 tourists visit the islands each year. Visitor attractions include scuba diving, World War II battle sites, eco-tourism, and the ancient ruined city of Nan Madol on Pohnpei. The Asian Development Bank has identified tourism as one of FSM's highest potential growth industries. Agriculture is mainly subsistence farming. The principal crops are breadfruit, coconuts, bananas, betel nuts, cassava, taro, and kava. Less than 10% of the formal labor force and less than 7% of export revenue come from the agricultural sector. The nation uses the US dollar as their currency.

CURRENCY

U.S. Dollar

One U.S.Dollar Note

Subunit

1/100 cent

Symbol $ or US$

Coins 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢

Banknotes $1, $5, $10, $20,

Central bank Federal Reserve Bank

Website www.federalreserve.gov

Micronesia Food forms a prominent part of the culture of the island nation. The chief food items of Micronesia include starchy carbohydrate based foods, meat and fruits. The starchy carbohydrate foods of Micronesia comprises of breadfruit, taro, sweet potatoes, yams,

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cassava, etc. Livestock tended locally, like pigs and chickens, form parts of important feasts of Micronesia. The custom of sharing food, prevalent in Micronesia, symbolizes the strong bonds existent between the people of the island nation.

Fish are also integral part of Micronesia Food. Micronesia, being an island nation, provides the people with an ample quantity of fish to be utilized as one of the chief food items of Micronesia. Shellfish and marine turtles are also eaten by the people of Micronesia.

SOCIAL LIFE AND RECREATION

There are good restaurants and a few cinemas in major island centers. Locals and visitors alike enjoy making their own entertainment. Video rentals are a main form of entertainment and a few well stocked DVD and video rental stores are located in Kolonia. Sakau drinking is the most frequent evening activity on Pohnpei. Cultural dances can be arranged through tourist offices or hotels. Most hotels have music, dancing and discos. Bars and restaurants open untill 22.00hrs every night.

EDUCATION At the basic level, education is mandatory in Micronesia till the eighth standard. The secondary education in the state is taken care of by the five schools in the country, almost one for each island. Higher education in the state is taken care of by the College of Micronesia which offers a number of degrees, certificates and vocational programs to the students. Vocational training in the state is also offered by the Micronesian Occupational College at Palau and the Pohnpei Agriculture and Trade School.

MEDICAL FACILITIES Health care facilities in the FSM consist of hospitals on each of the four major islands and a few scattered clinics. Supplemental medical insurance with specific coverage for overseas treatment and medical evacuation is useful.

TRANSPORT

• Air Main Airports:

Pohnpei (PNI) is 5km from Kolonia To/from the airport: Taxis are available.

Facilities: Car hire, light snacks and tourist information.

Internal Travel: Getting Around By Air Continental Air Micronesia flies between Pohnpei and the three other States and to neighboring countries (three-times weekly to Hawaii and four-times weekly to Guam).

• Land There are good roads in and around major island centers, although most roads remain unpaved.

Bus: No scheduled service is availaible, although some buses may be available for hire or charter.

Taxi: Taxis are availaible throughout Micronesia and are inexpensive.

Car hire: Self-drive cars are available in major towns.

Documentation: National driving license or International Driving Permit required.

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• Water Main ports: The main ports are in Chuuk, Pohnpei and Yap. Inter-island trading ships based in Pohnpei, Yap and Chuuk visit the outlying islands.

COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY The FSM has over 8,400 subscribers with a telephone density of 8.02 telephone lines per 100 population. Mail service to and from the FSM is excellent. The United States Postal Service picks up and delivers all mail to each of the states via air service, and the FSM is part of the US Zip Code system. These codes are: Kosrae 96944, Pohnpei 96941, Chuuk 96942, and Yap 96943.

The international calling code for Micronesia is 691

Internet country code - .fm

Time Differences: +5.30hrs

PLACES OF INTEREST The Spanish Wall and Catholic Bell Tower in Pohnpei, Japanese Wartime Communication Center at Xavier High School in Chuuk and the ruins of INSARU in Kosrae. The Sokehs Mass Grave holds the remains of 17 Pohnpeians who were executed by firing squad in 1911 for resisting the German administration. There are also small museums in Chuuk and Kosrae. Pohnpei has magnificent waterfalls with pools that are ideal for bathing. Two of the most beautiful falls are Kepirohi and Sahwartik.

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DIVING

Warm water and spectacular underwater scenery attract divers to these islands. Kosrae has over 50 dive sites, each marked with a buoy to prevent improper anchoring. Unspoiled coral reefs close to the shore make the island suitable for both walk-in and boat diving. In neighboring Pohnpei State, recommended dive sites include the unspoiled Ant Atoll and Pakin Atoll, both a short boat ride away from the main island. The state of Chuuk contains the famous Truk Lagoon, where a whole Japanese fleet was sunk during World War II.

TRAVEL TIPS

• Make sure you have the proper health/immunization requirements.

• Use of islands, paths, beaches etc may also require permission in many areas; it is best to check beforehand

• Permission should always be sought for Photography.

• There are treacherous channel currents and rogue waves in parts of the islands. You are therefore advised to wear the appropriate safety equipment and take local advice at all times when engaging in adventure sports.

• Carry as much currency in traveler’s cheques as possible.

• Keep a copy of all documents and credit card information in a safe place.

• Check all your travel documents to make sure that they are in order. Passports should be valid for a few months after your return date.

• Bring your address and telephone book. Make sure you have jotted down important telephone numbers in case of emergency.

• Check the weather conditions of your destination.

• If any of your important travel documents such as passport are lost or stolen, immediately notify the local police. For credit cards make sure you call the issuing bank immediately so that they can stop the card from being used illegally.

VISA REQUIREMENTS & PROCEDURE: U.S. Visa required

Valid Passport

One Visa Application form duly filled in capital letters and signed as per the passport signature

Four Recent Colour Photograph's with white background (3cm x 3cm)

Covering Letter from Indian Company Stating Applicant's Name, Designation, Purpose & Duration of Visit

Invitation from Federated States of Micronesia Stating Applicant's Name, Designation, Purpose & Duration of Visit

Return Confirmed Air Ticket's for Stay Duration and Insurance

Foreign Exchange Duly Endorsed / Valid International Credit Card Copy

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CONTACT ADDRESS -MICRONESIA Team Leader: Dr.Vasantha Siriwardhena PIA Consultants (Intercontinental Consultants & Technocrats, Pvt. Ltd.) FSM Omnibus Infrastructure Development Project (OIDP) Department of Transportation, Communications and Infrastructure (DTCI) Federated States of Micronesia, PS2,Palikir, Pohnpei State FM 96941