The Federated States of Micronesia became a US-administered Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands in 1947. This followed successive colonization by the Portuguese, Spanish and Germans and, latterly, Japanese rule between the two World Wars, under a mandate from the League of Nations (a forerunner of the United Nations). In November 1986, the Federated States signed a Compact of Free Association with the USA, allowing for near-independence with US defense support.

Admission to and support from the South Pacific Forum – an association that groups Australasia with the smaller Pacific island nations – has been particularly valuable. Other than political matters, successive governments have been pre-occupied with the economic situation, as the Federated States suffer from remoteness and lack of industry and infrastructure. There is some development potential, but Micronesia has some way to go before it ceases to be dependent on aid from the USA. Perhaps tourism is one industry that can boost the fiscal situation of this spate of islands.

It certainly boasts some tantalising attributes: some of the most clear-blue seas you will ever see, with white, crumbly sand. In islands like Chuuk are shallow and vast lagoons of monumental beauty, filled with shipwrecks and a kaleidoscope of hard and soft corals. These islands constitute paradise for divers, and many argue that the diving and snorkeling on offer here ranks among the best in the world.

Yet what also makes the the Federated States of Micronesia truly special are those idiosyncrasies that indicate that, despite being economically and politically interlinked with the USA, the States are very much socially and culturally independent. The Micronesians are a profusion of languages, customs and folklore. On the island Yap, islanders still trade in the ancient stone currency that many might presume has long been assigned to urban myth. Micronesians may still be glimpsed in traditional garment. Throughout, you are likely to stumble across snatches of unique island music and witness zesty, time-honored dances.

These idiosyncrasies have remained, in part, because the Federated States of Micronesia have mostly stayed an undiscovered treasure. Some might be worried that any emphasis on enticing more tourists for economic purposes might sever such exquisite isolation. Yet with over 600 islands to this country's name, it looks likely that you will be able to attain some desert island bliss of your own here for a long time yet.

Geography
The Federated States of Micronesia lie 3680km (2300 miles) north of Australia and 4000km (2500 miles) west of Hawaii. They comprise 607 islands scattered over 1.6 million sq km (617,761 sq miles), the most widely spread Pacific Islands group. Yap’s uplands are covered by dry meadows and scrub growth. Chuuk lagoon is circled by one of the largest barrier reefs in the world, while Pohnpei has mountains rising to over 600m (2000ft).