The Federated States of Micronesia is a country in the western Pacific Ocean composed of over 600 islands in the Caroline Islands archipelago. The nation is made up of four states: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae. Its capital is Palikir on Pohnpei.

With a population of about 100,000, Micronesia is ethnically diverse, and its people speak several indigenous languages, with English as the official language. The islands feature tropical moist forests and high levels of biodiversity and rainfall.

The economy relies largely on subsistence agriculture, fishing, and financial aid from the United States; development is challenged by isolation and limited infrastructure. Micronesia became independent in 1986 under a Compact of Free Association with the United States.