The Federated States of Micronesia is a country in the Pacific Ocean, made up of a group of 600 large and small islands. To get acquainted with the customs of these people, stay with Saad News.
Micronesia is one of the three major archipelagos in the Pacific Ocean and is part of the Oceania region. The capital of this country is Palikir. Micronesia is bordered to the west by the Philippines, to the southwest by Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Melanesia, and to the east and southeast by Polynesia. The name Micronesia is derived from Greek, combining "μικρος" (mikros: small) and "νησος" (nisos: island). This name was first proposed in 1831 by Jules Dumont d'Urville. Micronesia is home to ethnic groups such as: Nauruan 48%, Kiribati 19.3%, Chinese 13%, and Tuvaluan 7%.
Each of the four states has its own unique culture and traditions. However, there are shared cultural practices and deep-rooted cultural ties that date back several centuries. Cultural similarities include a focus on extended family and a tribal system found across all the islands. Yap Island is famous for its stone currency (Rai stones), which are large, circular stones with a hole in the center, typically made of calcite, with diameters that can reach up to 4 meters (13 feet). The indigenous people of Yap know the owner of each piece of currency, and they do not necessarily exchange them for payments. There are five main types of currency: Mambol, Cowrie, Rai, Yar, and Reng. The Reng coin has a diameter of only 30 centimeters (12 inches). The value of these currencies depends on their size and history. Many of these stones were brought from other islands like New Guinea, though most were historically brought from Palau. Around 6,500 of them are scattered across the island. Micronesia is home to the Nan Madol civilization, a cultural center in eastern Micronesia, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but due to the risk of natural disasters, it is listed as "at risk." The government of the Federated States of Micronesia is working to preserve the remnants of this civilization.
Many Micronesians are Christian, with several Protestant denominations and Roman Catholic churches present in each of the states. The roots of most Protestant groups trace back to American Congregationalist missionaries. In Kosrae Island, there are about 7,800 Protestant followers (95% of Kosrae's population). In Pohnpei, half of the population is Protestant and the other half is Catholic. In the states of Chuuk and Yap, 60% of the population is Catholic, while 40% is Protestant. Smaller religious groups include Baptists, Assemblies of God, Salvation Army, Seventh-day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon), and the Baháʼí Faith. 0.7% of Pohnpei's population are Buddhists. Religious services are abundant, with churches being supported by their respective communities and playing an important role in society. Despite a general opposition to Islam in the country, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community was registered in July 2015 and resides in Kosrae.
Most immigrants are Filipino Catholics who join the local Catholic churches. The Iglesia Ni Cristo Filipino Christian denomination also has a church in Pohnpei. In the 1890s, religious conflict and changes in religious leadership in Pohnpei led to the physical separation of religious groups, which still exists today. Most Protestants live in the western part of Pohnpei, while Catholics reside in the eastern part. Missionaries from many different religions freely spread their faiths. The Constitution of the Federated States of Micronesia guarantees freedom of religion, and the government remains committed to this principle. In 2007, the U.S. federal government reported no cases of religious abuse or discrimination.
English is the common and official language and is used in secondary education and university instruction. Outside the state capital cities, local languages are more commonly spoken. These include Chukchi, Kosraean, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoro, and Kapingamarangi. Other languages spoken include Pingelapese, Natik, Satawalese, Puluwat, Mwerlap, and Mokil. Around 3,000 people speak Kapingamarangi, Ulithian, and fewer than 1,000 people speak Nukuoro.
Hundreds of people use giant stone money in Yap Island, Micronesia. Each village has a "stone bank," where stones too heavy to be moved are displayed on special platforms. These stones are considered a form of wealth, as many people on the island do not possess stones. The use of stone money here has been a tradition for centuries, though no one is entirely sure when it first began. Each stone piece is unique, with some being very heavy due to their high limestone content. The first pieces were used as gifts, shaped like a whale. These stones are called "Rai." The central bank has drilled holes in these stones to make them more portable for transportation across the ocean. Over time, this stone money has evolved to become a more practical and efficient form of currency.
Micronesia, meaning "small islands," truly reflects the nature of this country. While these islands are closely tied to the economic and political interests of the United States, Micronesia has stubbornly adhered to its traditional ways. A country where people are seen in their native dress and stone coins are still used as legal tender. The people of Micronesia take great pride in their past, especially since their ancestors sailed across the Pacific Ocean in fragile boats long before Europeans arrived in these waters.
