According to abbreviationfinder, Palikir is the capital of the Federated States of Micronesia and is made up of four island groups formerly known as the Caroline Islands, located in the central Pacific Ocean. Palikir is the seat of the federal government and the Supreme Court, as well as the administration of the state of Pohnpei, one of the four that make up the Federation. Until the end of World War II, few Pohnpei natives inhabited Palikir and it was the United States that established the city as the national capital of the four states of Micronesia. The population of the capital city amounts to more than six thousand people.
Palikir was in the past a track built by the Japanese and was chosen to be the capital of the four states, thus, in the eighties the city began to be built. The ancient city of Kolonia, founded by the Spanish upon their arrival on these islands, was depopulated and Palikir took the place of the country’s capital.
Geography
The territorial smallness of the Federation is its most relevant characteristic from the physical point of view, since its more than 600 islands and coral atolls together barely total 702 km². The States that are part of the country and give it its name are, from west to east: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae ; the islands that make them up are of volcanic and coral origin for the most part.
Location
Palikir is located in the state of Pohnpei, roughly in the center of the chain of islands that make up Micronesia.
Climate
The climate is tropical, with high and stable temperatures throughout the year and abundant rainfall except in February and March. The islands of Micronesia are often hit by numerous typhoons that strike their coasts, mainly between the months of June and December.
Nature
The Pohnpei region, like all of Micronesia, has spectacular coral reefs. In addition, its blue waters are populated by a rich variety of marine fauna.
Population
Palikir has a population of just over 6,500 residents. See population of Micronesia.
Religion
The population is divided between Protestants and Catholics, there is also a small part of Buddhists in Pohnpei. There is high attendance at religious services, churches are well supported by their congregations and play an important role in civil society. Indigenous religions around the city are also important.
Economy
The Federated States of Micronesia is almost totally dependent on the economy of the United States of America, which contributes an annual amount with which state services are financed and more than 90% of the budget is covered. Primary activities are practiced for mere subsistence; These include the cultivation of coconut, sweet potato and cassava as the main agricultural products and a small cattle herd with pigs, cattle and goats.. The fishing resources of the extensive oceanic portion over which it exercises exclusive jurisdiction are large, allowing the country to obtain additional income through the licensing of foreign fishing fleets.
The city of Kolonia is very close to Palikir and they share some services such as television and telecommunications. In addition, the port is located in Kolonia, a few kilometers from the capital and the Pohnpei international airport is the main communication link with the rest of the world, receiving flights from many destinations around the world.
Sightseeing
Tourism also offers good prospects, although there is a total lack of hotel and communication infrastructures. In Palikir the visitor will be able to find party rooms where they will be able to enjoy performances of traditional dances. You can also practice water sports such as fishing, scuba diving or windsurfing, among others.
Holidays and traditions
- January 1, celebration for the New Year
- May 10, the day the constitution was promulgated in 1979, is celebrated on Emancipation Day.
- October 24, United Nations Day is celebrated
- November 3, Independence Day, is the anniversary of the end of the protectorate.
- December 25, Christmas Day, the birth of Jesus is celebrated.
Transport and communication
The main highway of the State of Pohnpei passes through the city, this road serves as a connection with Kolonia and allows access to the rest of the island’s towns such as Pwel Weite or Tamworohi. The city does not have access to the sea, so the port of Kolonia is where the island’s commercial ships leave, it is only 7 kilometers from the city center.
Very close to the city is the Pohnpei International Airport and could be considered as yours, from which airplanes leave for various international destinations so the island has connections with other countries and is not isolated.
The telecommunication buildings and the satellite dish are located in the neighboring city of Kolonia and serve both the city and Kolonia, which was the national capital until 1989.
Sports
Among the sports that are practiced, in addition to water sports such as fishing, diving or windsurfing, others such as tennis, rowing, soccer, baseball, basketball and volleyball stand out.
Important personalities
- Joseph J. Urusemal. head of government of the Federated States of Micronesia
- Bailey olter (1932 / 1999): important political third president of Micronesia between 1991 and 1996.
- Emelihter Kihleng: poet.
