Geography
Where is Micronesia located?
Micronesia is located in the western Pacific Ocean and is composed of thousands of small islands. It is situated northeast of Indonesia, north of Papua New Guinea, and west of the Marshall Islands.
What type of islands make up Micronesia?
Mostly atolls and high volcanic islands.
How many independent countries are there in Micronesia?
Four: Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Kiribati (partially), and the Marshall Islands.
What is the highest point in Micronesia?
Mount Agrihan on the island of Agrihan in the Northern Mariana Islands (part of the US).
What is the smallest independent country in the world by land area, located in Micronesia?
Nauru.
Culture & History
Who are the indigenous people of Micronesia?
Micronesians, with various distinct ethnic groups across the islands.
What languages are spoken in Micronesia?
Many Austronesian languages, with English also spoken in some areas.
What is a traditional sailing canoe used in Micronesia called?
A wa.
What is the name of the traditional navigation system used by Micronesians for centuries?
Wayfinding, based on celestial observations and knowledge of ocean currents.
What was the currency made of on Yap Island (FSM) in the past?
Rai stones, large discs of limestone quarried on nearby islands.
Nature & Environment
What type of climate does Micronesia have?
Tropical, with warm temperatures and high humidity.
What is a major threat to Micronesia's environment?
Rising sea levels due to climate change.
What is the world's largest coral atoll located in Micronesia?
Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
What is a unique marine animal found in Micronesia that walks on land?
The mudskipper.
What is a traditional food in Micronesia made with taro leaves and coconut milk?
Kelaguen.
Fun & Quirky
What island in Micronesia was once used for testing nuclear weapons?
Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
What is the name of the world's smallest capital city, located in Micronesia?
Ngerulmud in Palau.
What is the Micronesian sport where participants climb up a greased coconut tree?
Coconut tree climbing.
What is a traditional stick dance performed in Micronesia?
Sapalu or Chamorro dance.
What is a type of traditional boat in Micronesia made from logs lashed together?
A proa.
More Micronesia
Which famous writer spent time in Micronesia and wrote about his experiences in the book "South Pacific"?
James Michener.
What is the name of the traditional Micronesian myth about the creation of the islands?
The eel and the octopus.
What is a type of traditional tattooing practiced in some parts of Micronesia?
Tatau.
What is the name of the Micronesian festival celebrating yam harvesting?
Ubwela (Yap) or Sen Yen (Truk).
What is the Micronesian equivalent of a sumo wrestler?
A pahlap, a heavy stone lifted in traditional competitions.
What is a type of traditional Micronesian house built on stilts?
A fale (Samoa) or men's house (Yap).
What is a Micronesian game played with stones or shells on a board?
Nukatau or enipo.
What is a type of traditional Micronesian fishing net made from coconut leaves?
Lelu.