• 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!

Architecture of the Federated States of Micronesia

Prior to the arrival of the Europeans, the architecture in the Federated States of Micronesia was very limited. In fact nearly every structure built was a house and most of these houses were similar in construction and design. Most homes were made of wood, with large posts supporting the thatched leave roofs. They generally were open on the sides, but at times blinds were created from natural materials. The other common structure at the time were community houses, which were similar to individual homes, but on a larger scale.

With the arrival of the Europeans the materials used and building process was altered. The Europeans also introduced new structures, such as churches and schools. Today many buildings continue to use these materials, techniques, and styles. Concrete and concrete blocks are common in housing and sheet metal or corrugated roofing is now the norm. However, styles have changed little in housing as they are still built for use, not style. The only exception to this is that the structure of many houses is now including multiple rooms, whereas in the past the kitchens and bathrooms were often separate structures, and in rural areas, this is still common.

In addition to the changes in housing, the most noticeable buildings in the country today tend to be either churches or, in Palikir, the government buildings. Nearly every town has a church, which often dominates the skyline. Palikir also has many churches, but it's the Capital Complex that is the country's most complex architectural achievement. This modern structure looks like a modern building in the international style at first glance, but the details and design integrate numerous details of cultural significance.

This page was last updated: February, 2013