Micronesia
Federated States of
Country in the W Pacific Ocean, forming part of the archipelago
of the Caroline Islands, 800 km/497 mi E of the Philippines.
Government
The 1979 constitution, incorporating the four states of Kosrae, Yap,
Pohnpei, and Chuuk, created a single -chamber 14-member federal
parliament, the National Congress of the FSM. Each state elects
one ` senator-at-largeŽ to the Congress for a four-year term,
the remaining 10 senators being elected for two years, their seats
distributed on a population basis. Each state has its own constitution,
governor, and assembly. The federal president and vice president
are elected by the Congress from among the four ` senators-at-largeŽ.
The president works with a cabinet of around five members. There
are no organized political parties.
History
Originally colonized by Spain, the islands were purchased by Germany
1898 and then occupied by Japan during World War I. They were
captured by the USA in World War II and designated a United Nations
trust territory, under US administration, 1947. From 1965 there
were demands for greater autonomy and a commission was set up
to propose a future political status for the islands. In 1986
a Compact of Free Association with the USA came into force, under
which the USA retained responsibility for the islands' defence
and foreign affairs. In Nov 1986 US president Reagan issued a
proclamation ending his country's administration of Micronesia,
including the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The UN trusteeship
arrangement was formally terminated 1990 and the FSM became an
independent sovereign state. Diplomatic relations were established
with neighbouring states and widespread international recognition
followed. The FSM became a member of the UN 1991. Bailey Olter
was elected president 1991 in the first elections since independence,
and was re-elected 1995.
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