Continental Micronesia serves the beautiful Micronesian islands--two thousand tiny tropical islands scattered over more than three million square miles of the Pacific Ocean.

They comprise eight distinct and totally unique island groups--each with its own culture, language, history and stunning tropical attractions. The groups are Guam, the Republic of Palau, the Marianas, Ponhpei, Yap, Chuuk, the Marshalls and Kosrae.


Geography and Political Status
The islands of Micronesia lie north of the equator in the Western Pacific. They are the result of volcanic activity millions of years ago. Some are the tips of huge underwater mountains, some--the atolls--are the rims of sunken volcano craters which peak above the water surrounding serene lagoons and some are combinations of the two.


Micronesia is spread over 3 million miles of the Pacific and includes over 2000 islands. The distance from one end of Micronesia to the other is 2,040 nautical miles.

Micronesia is not a single country. It is a loose collection of different countries, united in their history of having been the U.S. Trust Territory of Micronesia. Guam is a United States territory; the Republic of Palau and the Marshalls are independent nations; the Marianas is a commonwealth associated with the United States; and Ponhpei, Yap, Chuuk and Kosrae are combined as the Federation States of Micronesia, which exist in an agreement of free association with the United States.

History

The islands of Micronesia were originally settled by ancient peoples sailing east from Asia and north from Polynesia. They were later discovered by Spanish explorers, who built a chain of forts across the Pacific. The islands were next colonized by the Germans. After World War I, the region was taken over by the Japanese, who developed mining, fishing and farming enterprises.

After World War II, the United Nations declared Micronesia a Trust Territory of the Pacific. It was placed under the supervision of the United States. Today Micronesia is largely independent and self-governing.

Language: Everyone in Micronesia speaks English plus a native tongue

Electricity: Micronesia operates on the same 110 volt/60 cycle current as exists in the United States.

Currency: U.S. dollars are used throughout Micronesia. It is strongly recommended that travelers purchase U.S. dollar travelers. International credit cards are also widely accepted.

Car rental: Available throughout Micronesia. Call 888-889-8100 for current rates and packages.

Climate: Tropical, with little seasonal variation. Average temperatures year round are 80 to 90 degrees with 70% humidity, depending on the island.

Religion: Predominantly Christian

Time Zone: Micronesia stretches across 3 time zones: Palau is 9 hours ahead of GMT; Guam and Saipan 20 hours ahead and the Marshall Islands 12 hours ahead.

Passport and Visa: U.S. citizens do not require passports or visas; however, proof of citizenship is required. All other visitors require a valid passport, and for entry into Guam all non-U.S. citizens (except Canadians) must have a U.S. visa.

For more information about Micronesia tour packages call 800-945-9955.
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