Micronesia, in the western Pacific, consists of some 600 islands grouped into four states: Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk (Truk) and Yap.
Population
1,386,914
106,487
Life Expectancy
49.420 years
71.800 years
Capital City
Mbabane
Largest city
Manzini (population: 110,537)
Weno (population: 17,624)
Human Development Index
0.542
NA
GDP per capita
$5,400 US
Literacy Rate
81.6%
89%
Corruption Perception Index
3.6
NA
Percentage of Women in Parliament
0%
NA
Wealthiest Citizens
Unemployment Rate
40.000%
Death Penalty
Abolished in practice
NA
Political System
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
6 September 1968 (from UK)
Religions
Zionist 40% (a blend of Christianity and indigenous ancestral worship), Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 10%, other (includes Anglican, Bahai, Methodist, Mormon, Jewish) 30%
Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 47%, other 3%
Languages
English (official, government business conducted in English), siSwati (official)
English (official and common language), Chuukese, Kosrean, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi
Exports
soft drink concentrates, sugar, wood pulp, cotton yarn, refrigerators, citrus and canned fruit
External Debt
$703,100,000 $
Exchange Rate
emalangeni per US dollar - 7.75 (2008 est.), 7.4 (2007), 6.85 (2006), 6.3593 (2005), 6.4597 (2004)
Military Budget as percentage of GDP
4.700%
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
Location
Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa
Oceania, island group in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Indonesia
Area
17,364 km sq
702 km sq
Coastline
0 km
6,112 km
Climate
varies from tropical to near temperate
tropical; heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern islands; located on southern edge of the typhoon belt with occasionally severe damage
