Micronesia, in the western Pacific, consists of some 600 islands grouped into four states: Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk (Truk) and Yap.
Population
1,248,348
106,487
Life Expectancy
78.290 years
71.800 years
Capital City
Manama
Largest city
Manama (population: 147,074)
Weno (population: 17,624)
Human Development Index
0.902
NA
GDP per capita
$27,900 US
Literacy Rate
86.5%
89%
Corruption Perception Index
5.4
NA
Percentage of Women in Parliament
13.8%
NA
Wealthiest Citizens
Unemployment Rate
15.000%
Death Penalty
Legal
NA
Political System
constitutional monarchy
constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 3 November 1986 and the Amended Compact entered into force May 2004
Independence date
15 August 1971 (from UK)
Religions
Muslim (Shia and Sunni) 81.2%, Christian 9%, other 9.8% (2001 census)
Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 47%, other 3%
Languages
Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu
English (official and common language), Chuukese, Kosrean, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi
Exports
petroleum and petroleum products, aluminum, textiles
External Debt
$14,930,000,000 $
Exchange Rate
Bahraini dinars (BHD) per US dollar - 0.376 (2008 est.), 0.376 (2007), 0.376 (2006), 0.376 (2005), 0.376 (2004)
Military Budget as percentage of GDP
4.500%
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
1
0
Location
Middle East, archipelago in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia
Oceania, island group in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Indonesia
Area
760 km sq
702 km sq
Coastline
161 km
6,112 km
Climate
arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
tropical; heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern islands; located on southern edge of the typhoon belt with occasionally severe damage
