The federation consists of four states—from west to east: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae—that span across the western Pacific just north of the equator, for a longitudinal distance of almost 2,700 km (1,700 mi).

Each of its four states is centered on one or more main volcanic islands, and all but Kosrae include numerous outlying atolls.

A decentralized chieftain-based system eventually evolved into a more centralized economic and religious culture centered on Yap Island.Nan Madol, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, consisting of a series of small artificial islands linked by a network of canals, is often called the Venice of the Pacific.

In 1887, they founded the town of Santiago de la Ascensión in what today is Kolonia on the island of Pohnpei.

In February 1944, Operation Hailstone, one of the most important naval battles of the war, took place at Truk, in which many Japanese support vessels and aircraft were destroyed.

The FSM signed a Compact of Free Association with the United States, which entered into force on November 3, 1986, marking Micronesia's emergence from trusteeship to independence.

Independence was formally concluded under international law in 1990, when the United Nations officially ended the Trusteeship status pursuant to Security Council Resolution 683.

[13] In February 2021, due to a bitter leadership dispute, the Federated States of Micronesia announced it would quit the Pacific Islands Forum in its formal process of withdrawal.

However, in June 2022, the Suva Agreement was reached and the Federated States of Micronesia agreed to remain in the forum.

[14] The Federated States of Micronesia is governed by the 1979 constitution, which guarantees fundamental human rights and establishes a separation of governmental powers.

The Compact of Free Association allows FSM citizens to join the U.S. military without having to obtain U.S. permanent residency or citizenship,[16] allows for immigration and employment for Micronesians in the U.S., and establishes economic and technical aid programs.

FSM has foreign relations with 56 countries, including the Holy See and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

[23] The islands are grouped into four states, which are Yap, Chuuk (called Truk until January 1990), Pohnpei (known as "Ponape" until November 1984), and Kosrae (formerly Kusaie).

[33] The major coastal communities are mangrove forests, seagrass beds, lagoons and coral reefs, biologically and physically linked.

The islands are located north of the equator and are affected by constant trade winds, which temper the climate.

Mount Nahnalaud, only 750 m high, on the island of Pohnpei, receives an average of 10,160 mm, being one of the rainiest places on earth, with almost always overcast skies.

Economic activity in the Federated States of Micronesia consists primarily of subsistence farming and fishing.

The potential for a tourist industry exists, but the remoteness of the location and a lack of adequate facilities hinder development.

Financial assistance from the U.S. is the primary source of revenue, with the U.S. pledged to spend $1.3 billion in the islands in 1986–2001; when the Compact was amended in 2004, the United States committed to providing $110 million in development aid through 2023.

[39] The CIA World Factbook lists high dependence on U.S. aid as one of the main concerns of the FSM.

In the Catholic mission of Pohnpei, among the Mercedarian missionaries, considered an institution in the country, Spanish is also spoken.

Aside from English, the following Austronesian languages are spoken:[23][42] The people of the Federated States of Micronesia are 97% Christian.

[44] Religious groups with small followings include Baptists, Assemblies of God, Salvation Army, Seventh-day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), and the Baháʼí Faith.

Attendance at religious services is generally high; churches are well supported by their congregations and play a significant role in civil society.

[44] The US government received no reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious belief or practice in 2007.

[45][46] Pingelap in Pohnpei State is notable for the prevalence of an extreme form of color blindness called Achromatopsia, and known locally as maskun.

Cultural similarities include the importance of the traditional extended family and clan systems and are found on all the islands.

Their value is based on both size and history, many of them having been brought from other islands, as far as New Guinea, but most coming in ancient times from Palau.