Political Status: Sovereign state in free association with the United States (which retains authority with regard to defense) since October 21, 1986.

Land Area: 271 sq. mi. (701 sq. km.).

Population: 107,008 (2000C); 109,000 (2007E).

Major Urban Centers (2005E): PALIKIR (Pohnpei, 6,600), Weno (Chuuk, 12,300), Kitti (Pohnpei, 6,800), Nett (Pohnpei, 6,300), Kolonia (Pohnpei, 5,000).

Official Language: English. The principal native languages are Kosrean, Pohnpeian, Trukese, and Yapese.

Monetary Unit: U.S. Dollar (see U.S. article for principal exchange rates).

President: Immanuel (Manny) MORI; elected by the Congress on May 11, 2007, and sworn in on the same day for a four-year term, succeeding Joseph J. URUSEMAL.

Vice President: Alik L. ALIK; elected by the Congress on May 11, 2007, and sworn in on the same day for a term concurrent with that of ...