Micronesia

Federated States of Micronesia is an island country in the western Pacific Ocean composed of more than 600 islands spread across an Exclusive Economic Zone of nearly 3 million km², while its total land area amounts to only about 702 km². The country consists of both high volcanic islands and low coral atolls, resulting in significant environmental diversity. The tropical maritime climate is characterised by high humidity and abundant rainfall, typically exceeding 3,000 mm annually in many areas, which supports dense vegetation on the larger islands but also presents challenges such as soil erosion and limited arable land.

Human settlement dates back several millennia, with traditional subsistence systems based on agroforestry and fishing. Following periods of Spanish, German and Japanese rule, the islands came under United States administration before achieving independence in 1986 under a Compact of Free Association. Today, the structure of the primary sector continues to reflect the environmental conditions of small islands with limited land resources but extensive marine territories.

Agriculture is largely subsistence-oriented, with only a small share of land suitable for cultivation. Coconut palms dominate rural landscapes and support copra production, which remains the main agricultural export. Annual copra production typically ranges between 10,000 and 20,000 tonnes. Other important crops include breadfruit, taro, bananas and yams, which are essential for local diets. Small-scale livestock farming exists, mainly involving pigs and poultry.

Forests cover a substantial share of land on the volcanic islands, particularly on Pohnpei and Kosrae, where tropical rainforests remain extensive. These forests provide timber for domestic use and play an important ecological role in watershed protection, although commercial forestry is limited. Timber extraction occurs on a small scale and does not represent a major export industry.

Marine resources form the backbone of the primary sector. The country’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone supports significant tuna fisheries. Total domestic fish production is estimated at around 20,000–30,000 tonnes annually, combining coastal subsistence fishing and offshore commercial activity. A considerable share of economic benefit arises from fishing access agreements with foreign fleets operating in national waters.

Aquaculture remains modest but includes small-scale cultivation of species such as giant clams and sea cucumbers. Overall, the Federated States of Micronesia’s primary sector reflects the balance between limited agricultural capacity, substantial forest cover on volcanic islands, and the central importance of marine resources for food security and economic activity.

From Kiribati in 2018 Gerold flew there to Pohnpei for one night. Nothing done but hang on: too hot and humid. It was unpleasant to know that practically no flights go here and that I can completely strand. 2019 short visit to Yap, the island close from Palau. Gerold took a night flight and spent two days on the island. This island has a lot of Betel nuts and the most biggest currency, the stone money Rai.