Micronesia, Federated States of  (click for larger image in new window) A group of associated islands in the Caroline Islands of the western Pacific Ocean. Originally inhabited by Austronesian-speaking peoples, the islands were controlled in turn by Spain, Germany, and Japan prior to their capture by U.S. forces during World War II. The group was administered as part of the U.S. Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands after 1947 and became self-governing under a compact of free association with the United States in 1986. Palikir, on Pohnpei (Ponape) Island, is the capital. Population: 108,000. |