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
republic
Independence date
9 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)
Religions
Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 47%, other 3%
Sunni Muslim 85%, Shia Muslim 5%, other 10% (2003 est.)
Languages
English (official and common language), Chuukese, Kosrean, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi
Tajik (official), Russian widely used in government and business
