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Federated States of Micronesia
The Federated States of Micronesia should always be referred to as such; the term Micronesia alone refers to the entire area, not just the country, so there is no short version of the country's name.
The Federated States of Micronesia is named due to the federation of island grouping found in Micronesia. The name Micronesia comes from the Greek: mikros meaning "small" and nesos meaning "islands."
Introduction:
The people of Micronesia have lived off the land for as long as people have lived on the islands. Over time numerous immigration waves swept through and settled the islands, each group likely changing the culture and lifestyle to some degree. However, all these people probably lived off the land and seas as hunters, gathers, and fishers. Today the people continue to live off the lands and seas, but modern technology and later changes seem to have forever altered the culture and people.
It seems the early settlers, the Micronesians, were organized into small political and social groups as the islands had contact with each other, but remained focused locally. Over time these separate islands developed different languages, cultures, and lifestyles. At times certain groups of people held significant regional control and power, but even in these situations autonomy was granted to a great degree and local sub-cultures dominated the many islands and island chains.
The Europeans made significant and lasting changes to the culture with their arrival. However, the Europeans didn't make significant changes until the 1800s. Few Europeans settled the islands in these years, but missionaries did convert most of the population to Christianity, which changed the culture, lifestyle, and dress of the people.
Making a much greater impact than the Europeans, were the Japanese, who took over the islands in about 1900. The Japanese were the first foreign group in recent history to settle the islands and they did so in huge numbers, making up over half of the total population within only about 20 years. The Japanese changed the dynamic, from organized farming of new crops to technology, foods, and dress that were unknown prior to their settlement. World War II saw the end of Japanese settlement on the islands, but Japanese influence remained in many ways.
Today the islands are again primarily ethnically Micronesian and much of the culture and lifestyle remain rooted in their history, the lands, and the seas. Local island communities, languages, and cultures dominate most people's lives as the lands and seas continue to be at the core of life. However, the many technological introductions have made an impact, as have foreign goods and beliefs.
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Information for the Federated States of Micronesia was last updated: May, 2013 ● View our: Sources & Special Thanks