• Solomon Islands!

    Solomon Islands: Looking up at palm trees. Go Now!

    Solomon Islands
    This Melanesian country is best known for its many islands and beaches... and this natural landscape (pictured) is why most people go. Don't miss out on the unique Melanesian culture and foods though! Begin Your Journey!

  • Tonga!

    Tonga: Coastline. Go Now!

    Tonga
    The heart of Polynesian culture is rooted in Tonga, but most visitors just come for the natural beauty. Explore Tonga!

  • Vanuatu!

    Vanuatu: Jetty into the ocean. Go Now!

    Vanuatu
    Picturesque serenity is a good way to describe Vanuatu, but the culture offers much more, including the inspiration for bungee jumping, which remains a rite of passage for young men. Explore Vanuatu!

  • Palau!

    Palau: "70 Islands!" Go Now!

    Palau
    Few people have even heard of this small Micronesian country, but those who have often return with stories of beauty unmatched elsewhere, such as view of the "70 Islands" (pictured). Go Now!

  • Explore the: Federated States of Micronesia!

    Federated States of Micronesia: Overlooking some islands. Go Now!

    Federated States of Micronesia
    This diverse country stretches for thousands of miles and has the diversity to prove it, including the people from Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Yap among others. Begin Your Journey!

  • Samoa!

    Samoa: A traditional home. Go Now!

    Samoa
    Among the most famous of the South Pacific's many countries, Samoa sits in the heart of Polynesia and has a culture to match. Begin Your Journey!

Culture & Identity of the Federated States of Micronesia

Introduction

The people of the Federated States of Micronesia are fairly diverse in terms of ethnicity, language, and history, but most of the people live a similar lifestyle; their way of life revolves around the land and the seas. This way of life, the culture, the single country, and the people's fight against global warming and rising water levels truly unite the people despite their many differences.

Nearly everyone in the Federated States of Micronesia lives in a rural area as few islands are even large enough to have a city. Due to the vast array of islands and cultures from one to the next, there seems to be no normal job or occupation as each person does their own thing. Many people still farm or fish on a daily basis to maintain a living, but others are getting more steady employment, including jobs in the services industries. Despite new employment opportunities, the standard of living and annual income is still very low.

For many women, days are spent doing multiple chores, from cooking and raising children to fishing. Getting food tends to be a combination of going to the store and getting it from the fields and seas (although traditionally most farming is done by men and most fishing is done by women). Since there are no grocery stores on most islands, many people spend time each day going to multiple shops to get bread, pasta, and other foods, but they also fish, farm, and socialize.

Most evenings and weekends are spent with family and extended family as these people and community are very important in the Federated States of Micronesia. During this time together many people enjoy sharing a meal or playing a sport; cruising is also a fun weekend activity, but requires a car or truck, which few families can afford. If they can get one, siblings, cousins, and other friends will jump in and cruise around the island on weekends visiting friends and meeting new ones.

Identity

The people of the Federated States of Micronesia often identify in two ways, first by their local ethnic group and secondly with the country as a whole. This national identity is more than one of just being a citizen of the country; it is about the similar histories, cultures, languages, foods, and more that link the people. However, the unity of one nation is also important in this definition and the founding of the nation was the catalyst for the creation of this identity. Ethnic foreigners are not included in either of these definitions and often maintain a foreign identity such as "Japanese" or whatever their ethnicity or nationality may be.

The primary identity of most of the people is with their local ethnic group, each of which has a distinct language, culture, and history. The four main groups of people in the Federated States of Micronesia are the people of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae and each of these groups, along with many smaller groups, maintain their historic identity and culture.

This page was last updated: November, 2013