onia (on the island of Pohnpei)
note: a new capital is being built about 10 km southwest in the
Palikir valley

Administrative divisions: 4 states; Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk (Truk), Yap

Independence: 3 November 1986 (from the US-administered UN
Trusteeship)

National holiday: Proclamation of the Federated States of Micronesia,
10 May (1979)

Constitution: 10 May 1979

Legal system: based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the
legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government: President Bailey OLTER (since
21 May 1991); Vice President Jacob NENA (since 21 May 1991); election
last held 11 May 1991 (next to be held 7 March 1995); results - Bailey
OLTER elected president; Jacob NENA elected vice-president
cabinet: Cabinet

Legislative branch: unicameral
Congress: elections last held 5 March 1991 (next to be held 7 March
1995); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (14 total) independents
14

Judicial branch: Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders: no formal parties

Member of: AsDB, ESCAP, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFC, IMF, ITU, SPARTECA, SPC,
SPF, UN, UNCTAD, WHO

Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Jesse B. MAREHALAU
chancery: 1725 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 223-4383
FAX: [1] (202) 223-4391
consulate(s) general: Honolulu and Tamuning (Guam)

US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador March Fong EU
embassy: address NA, Kolonia
mailing address: P. O. Box 1286, Pohnpei, Federated States of
Micronesia 96941
telephone: [691] 320-2187
FAX: [691] 320-2186

Flag: light blue with four white five-pointed stars centered; the
stars are arranged in a diamond pattern

@Micronesia, Federated States Of:Economy

Overview: Economic activity consists primarily of subsistence farming
and fishing. The islands have few mineral deposits worth exploiting,
except for high-grade phosphate. The potential for a tourist industry
exists, but the remoteness of the location and a lack of adequate
facilities hinder development. Financial assistance from the US is the
primary source of revenue, with the US pledged to spend $1 billion in
the islands in the 1990s. Geographical isolation and a poorly
developed infrastructure are major impediments to long-term growth.

National product: GDP - purchasing power parity