Forgotten World (90): Micronesia
Micronesia, in the western Pacific, consists of some 600 islands grouped into four states: Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk and Yap. Although, it occupies a very small total land mass, it is scattered over an ocean expanse five times the size of France.
Despite its small population (a mere 11,000) and the large amount of incoming aid from the US, Japan and elsewhere, Micronesia has relatively high unemployment, a matter compounded by increasing numbers of Filipino migrant workers. Many Micronesians live without electricity or running water, which is in short supply and is sometimes rationed.
Though formally independent, in 1986 Micronesia signed a “Compact of Free Association” with the US. Under this, Washington took on responsible for defence and gained the right to set up military bases and deny other nations access to Micronesia. In return, Micronesia received financial assistance averaging $100m per year, and the right of Micronesians to live and work in the US. Micronesia also takes its cue from Washington on foreign policy.