Micronesia

As a united nations trust territory, the Federated States of Micronesia was placed under the administration of the United States after World War II. In 1986, Micronesia attained independence through a Compact of Free Association. In addition to marine products and deep-seabed minerals, [Page 1142]Micronesia's natural resources include forests and high-grade phosphate. The Micronesian economy suffers from a 16 percent unemployment rate. Less than 6 percent of the land is arable; however, most people survive by subsistence farming and fishing. Less than one-third of the population lives in urban areas even though two-thirds of Micronesians work for the government.

With a population of 108,105, Micronesia has a fertility rate of 4.4 children per woman. The per capita annual income of $2,000 means that Micronesia ranks 180th ...