Pohnpei is the island capital of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) of which there are also the states of Kosrae, Chuuk, and Yap. Together, these four states encompass hundreds of smaller islands spread out over thousands of miles of ocean. Pohnpei itself is about 12 by 14 miles across – the largest island in the FSM – and rises to 2,540 feet above sea level. It stands about 6 degrees north of the equator and is covered by tropical rainforest and waterfalls. There are about 34,000 people living in Pohnpei with a per capita income of $2,300. English and Pohnpeian are the two major languages spoken on the island and from Eastern Standard Time, Pohnpei is 15 hours ahead.
Climate
Because of the large mountain peaks in the center of the island, rain clouds get trapped above Pohnpei and result in about 200 - 400 inches of rain per year over the course of about 300 rainy days. Temperatures stay constant at about 80 degrees all year round and humidity is high because of the abundance of rain. It has been described as a place that “drips but never dries.”
History
In the 13th Century, native kings called Sandeleurs ruled Pohnpei from the city of Nan Madol (the ruins of which are still intact on the Southeastern part of the island and are a major tourist attraction). A legendary warrior, Isokelekel, overthrew the Sandeleurs in 1628 and established a line of Nahnmwarkis, or traditional chiefs, who still hold considerable power today. Spain laid claim to the island in the 16th Century but did not occupy Pohnpei until the 19th Century. Germany bought the island from Spain in 1899 and took over the capital city of Kolonia establishing trade in copra, or coconut meat. Japan forced Germany off the island at the start of WWI and remained until they were in turn forced off the island in 1945 at the end of WWII. The FSM accepted a Compact of Free Association with the United States in 1986 which gave them full independence. Under the compact, Micronesia receives financial support from the United States in exchange for some military privileges. In 2002, the compact was renewed for another 20 years.
Economy
Much of Pohnpei’s income comes directly from the United States though the Compact of Free Association. However, because of the presence of the main campus of the College of Micronesia, education is also vital to the economy of Pohnpei. Agriculturally, yams, taro, breadfruit, cassava, sweet potatoes, and black pepper are also important sources of revenue. Tourism is an emerging industry on Pohnpei with diving, hiking, and historical destinations being the major attractions.
