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
multiparty democracy under a constitutional monarchy
Independence date
9 November 1953 (from France)
Religions
Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 47%, other 3%
Theravada Buddhist 95%, other 5%
Languages
English (official and common language), Chuukese, Kosrean, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi