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- Australasia
- Micronesia
Micronesia
Micronesia is a rather arbitrary name given to an enormous slice
of earth. Greek for ?small' and ?islands', Micronesia is neither
small nor a cohesive group of island people and cultures.
Micronesia is comprised of 8 different nation-states; the Federated
States of Micronesia (FSM) is a country within and is comprised of
over 600 islands. The country is further divided into 4 states that
have many unique histories and cultures.
While the FSM government received independence in 1986 it
retained deep ties with the U.S. which it continues to rely on for
defence and monetary aid. Ironically many in the U.S. military are
citizens of the FSM.
The FSM can be a fascinating place to visit as the islands'
prior isolation has provided modern day travellers an easy means to
see many unique cultures. Much of FSM retains much of its older
traditions. These vary drastically between islands which can lead
to confused tourists and sometimes insulted locals.
The cultures are not the only unique aspects of the country as
the volcanic process that dotted the area's waters with islands
wasn't very consistent. Islands growing, falling and hardly pushing
above water have created great lagoons and reefs.
Chuuk is a popular state to visit with divers. A Japanese fleet
was sunk off its shores in WWII making it among the best shipwreck
diving sites in the world. Yap Island has unique hill scenery in
contrast to the volcanic formations and coral atolls that created
the rest of the FSM. Pohnpei is the most populated of the states
while Kosrae is the least. Both are welcoming to tourists.
Although the islands stretch for 1,800 miles (2,900 km) the FSM
is largely off the tourist map. Thus, tourism infrastructure isn't
yet very developed. Many of the islands are difficult to reach by
either plane or ferry. For willing explorers this also means
hundreds of secluded blue water beaches and little visited
regions.
Information & Facts
Customs
Customs and social etiquette in Micronesia is underpinned by
non-assertive, respectful behaviour. Visitors should ensure at all
times that they behave in a humble fashion, and especially, that
they do not indulge publicly in bawdy or sexual conduct. Visitors
should also be prudent when taking photographs - always ask
permission before taking someone's photo, and do not be surprised
if they refuse. Do not click your tongue (as in frustration or
disappointment), as this is considered a form of swearing in
Micronesia. Male visitors should not rub their bellies, nor beckon
someone toward them with their palm facing skyward - both actions
are construed as sexual overtures. Finally, it is considered
inappropriate for women (foreign or not) to be alone in public -
female visitors to Micronesia should make sure they have a
travel-mate to accompany them when out and about.
Duty Free
Travellers to Micronesia 18 and older may import up to 600
cigarettes/454g cigars or tobacco, and a reasonable amount of
perfume for personal use. Visitors 21 and older may have two litres
of liquor. Guns and ammunition are prohibited, and plants and
animals must be declared on arrival.
Passport Visa
All foreign passengers to Micronesia must hold return/onward
tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next
destination, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses
while in the country. Note that visa exemptions apply to visitors
entering Micronesia for touristic purposes only, and that
extensions to the period of visa-free stay are possible (at the
discretion of the Immigration Office). NOTE: It is highly
recommended that your passport has at least six months validity
remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel
destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to
those stated by travel agents and official sources.