Search the SPREP Catalogue

Traditional, social and cultural institutions are still very strong in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Micronesian society is based on the extended family, which is responsible for the family welfare, especially in relation to customary family land. Ownership of land and aquatic areas varies between States. In Kosrae and Pohnpei, land is both privately and State owned, while all aquatic areas and some land areas are managed by the State as public trusts. In Chuuk, most land and aquatic areas are privately owned and acquired through inheritance, gift or, recently, by purchase. In Yap, almost all land and aquatic areas are owned or managed by individual estates and usage is subject to traditional control. In all States, land cannot be sold to non-citizens of the FSM. The indigenous population is Micronesian with most of the people residing on the island/town centers of the four Island States.

Traditional, social and cultural institutions are still very strong in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Micronesian society is based on the extended family, which is responsible for the family welfare, especially in relation to customary family land. Ownership of land and aquatic areas varies between States. In Kosrae and Pohnpei, land is both privately and State owned, while all aquatic areas and some land areas are managed by the State as public trusts. In Chuuk, most land and aquatic areas are privately owned and acquired through inheritance, gift or, recently, by purchase. In Yap, almost all land and aquatic areas are owned or managed by individual estates and usage is subject to traditional control. In all States, land cannot be sold to non-citizens of the FSM. The indigenous population is Micronesian with most of the people residing on the island/town centers of the four Island States.