• 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!

Social Life in the Federated States of Micronesia

Behavior

The people of the Federated States of Micronesia are very humble and modest as they rarely express themselves in a way to offend another. This comes in respecting other people, dressing modestly, avoiding outward signs of wealth or affection, and having a reverence for God as most people are Christian.

As a visitor to the Federated States of Micronesia that same modesty is expected; modesty in dress, actions, words (don's gossip), and every aspect of your life. Many of the most important behavioral restrictions to be aware of are related to dress, dating (see below for both), and dining (see our Federated States of Micronesia Food & Dining Page for more information). Also try to avoid being loud, rude, showing off wealth, or getting drunk in public.

Dress

Historically, the people of the Federated States of Micronesia wore simple and limited clothing. Women generally wore grass skirts that reached at least to their knee and on some islands they would also wear a wrap of sorts on their top, called a lava lava/laba laba, but on most islands nothing was worn above the waist. Men wore nothing but loin cloths, known as a thus, which is often blue, red, or white.

Today western-styled clothing has taken hold in the Federated States of Micronesia as shorts or skirts are common as are t-shirts and the traditional lava lava/laba laba. For women skirts are very common as they come in numerous styles and patterns, which can reflect the region they are from. No matter the clothing, women always make sure their skirts reach to their knees if not longer.

As a visitor to the Federated States of Micronesia there are essentially two dress codes to follow. In resorts and on beaches catered to tourists swimwear of nearly all types is acceptable (although nudity is not), while outside these resorts the dress should be more modest. Women should not expose any skin above the knees and covering your shoulders is also recommended. For men, wearing shorts and a t-shirt is perfectly acceptable. If you want to fit in better, buy a lava lava/laba laba upon arrival and wear that over your shorts or skirt.

This page was last updated: November, 2013