People and Society of Micronesia

Nationality

Micronesian(s)

Ethnic Groups

nine ethnic Micronesian and Polynesian groups

Population

114,164

Population in Major Urban Areas

PALIKIR (capital) 7,000

Health care facilities in the FSM consist of state-run hospitals on each of the four major islands and a few scattered clinics. These facilities often lack basic supplies and medicines, and the quality of health care is very low. Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for health services. Medical evacuation for non-ambulatory patients may not be immediately available and can be mexpensive. Scuba divers should note that although there are decompression chambers in Yap, Chuuk, and Pohnpei, their availability and staff experience in treating diving injuries vary considerably.

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in the Federated States of Micronesia sits at approximately 71 years overall, with women typically outliving men by several years. Female life expectancy averages around 73 years, while male life expectancy falls closer to 69 years. These figures place Micronesia in a moderate range among Pacific Island nations, reflecting both the persistent challenges and gradual improvements in the country's public health landscape over recent decades. Several factors influence these numbers. Non-communicable diseases represent the leading cause of premature death in Micronesia, with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers being particularly prevalent. Rates of obesity and tobacco use remain elevated across the island states, contributing significantly to the burden of chronic illness. Limited access to advanced medical care, especially on outer islands far from the main population centers, also affects health outcomes. Residents of remote atolls often must travel considerable distances for specialist treatment, creating delays that can worsen prognoses for serious conditions. At the same time, life expectancy has risen meaningfully over the past several generations. In the 1960s and 1970s, life expectancy in Micronesia was considerably lower, and steady gains have been made through improvements in maternal and child health, expanded vaccination programs, and basic sanitation infrastructure. International health assistance, including support from the United States under the Compact of Free Association, has helped fund clinic construction, medical training, and disease surveillance efforts across the four states of Chuuk, Pohnpei, Yap, and Kosrae. Infant mortality, while still a concern in some areas, has declined substantially over recent decades, and this reduction has been a key driver of rising overall life expectancy. Access to prenatal care and skilled birth attendants has expanded, though gaps persist between urban and rural populations, particularly on the more isolated outer islands. Climate-related threats, including the contamination of freshwater sources through saltwater intrusion and the increased frequency and intensity of severe typhoons, pose emerging risks to long-term population health in Micronesia. Disruptions to food security and safe water access can heighten vulnerability to both infectious and chronic diseases. The potential impact of these environmental pressures on future life expectancy remains an area of growing concern for policymakers and health professionals throughout the region.

Infant Mortality Rate

The Federated States of Micronesia faces moderate challenges in infant health outcomes compared to more developed Pacific nations, though it has made measurable progress over recent decades. The infant mortality rate — defined as the number of deaths among infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births — stands at approximately 26 to 28 deaths per 1,000 live births, according to recent World Bank and WHO data. This figure places Micronesia notably higher than regional peers such as Palau and the Marshall Islands, and significantly above the averages seen in high-income countries. Several factors contribute to this rate. Geographic isolation is a central challenge: the country comprises more than 600 islands spread across an enormous area of the western Pacific Ocean, making consistent access to maternal and neonatal healthcare difficult, particularly in outer islands far from the main population centers of Pohnpei, Chuuk, Kosrae, and Yap. Rural and remote communities frequently lack reliable access to trained healthcare workers, modern obstetric facilities, and emergency neonatal care. Underlying health conditions also play a role. Poor maternal nutrition, limited prenatal care in some communities, and a high prevalence of non-communicable diseases among the broader population can indirectly affect birth outcomes and infant survival rates. Diarrheal diseases, acute respiratory infections, and other preventable illnesses remain leading causes of infant death in the region. Despite these challenges, Micronesia has shown a downward trend in infant mortality over the past several decades. Improved immunization coverage — including vaccines against measles, diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus — along with UNICEF-supported child health programs and investments in community health aides have contributed to this improvement. The government, in partnership with international organizations, has worked to expand access to antenatal care and skilled birth attendance, which are key factors in reducing both maternal and infant mortality. Continued investment in healthcare infrastructure, transportation links between islands, and community health education will be essential to sustaining further reductions in infant mortality in the coming years.

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

• Roman Catholic50.0%
• Protestant47.0%
• Other3.0%

English (official and common language), Trukese, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Kosrean, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi

• English
• Trukese

Crime Information

Throughout the country, foreigners have reportedly been subjected to and singled out for theft and verbal and physical abuse. Alcohol- and drug-related attacks, as well as drunk driving accidents, are a particular concern during weekend and evening hours. The Embassy encourages extra caution during the holidays, when alcohol consumption is especially high. Do not attempt to intervene in disputes between local citizens. Dress conservatively: it is considered impolite for females to wear clothing that exposes anything above the knee. Modern swimwear may be considered immodest by local standards, and people wearing such clothing outside of hotels that cater to tourists could likely be harassed. Additionally, we suggest women travel in groups and walk in well-lit areas. Crime rates are higher in Chuuk than in the other states; you should exercise extreme caution at all times, stay off the streets after dark, and ensure that the hotel where you are staying is prepared to assist you in an emergency. Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the counterfeit items illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in the FSM, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from those in the U.S. It is very important to know what is legal and what is not where you are going. Criminal penalties will also vary from country to country. If you break local laws in the FSM, your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. If you violate FSM laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. In the FSM, for example, driving under the influence could land you in jail immediately. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in the FSM are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. There are also things that might be legal in the FSM you but illegal in the United States. You can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States with severe penalties. While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case in the FSM. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and/or prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained.