The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is a collection of 607 islands in the western region of the Pacific. With a total land surface area of just over 700 square kilometres, the general region encompasses a total of approximately 3 million square kilometres of ocean and provides a home for a population of approximately 110,000 people. The islands consist of a mixture of volcanic outcrops to coral atolls and the group is sited at the edge of the typhoon belt, thus experiencing frequent heavy rains and high humidity.

Economically, the FSM has a small but diverse primary industry sector with produce from both the land and the ocean. A secondary industry in the form of clothing manufacture also exists.

The nation is actually four separate self-governing states: Kosnau, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Yap. Each has it own constitution and parliament. Entering into a Compact of Free Association with the United Stated of America (U.S.) in 1986, the nation has benefitted from the provision of military defence, substantial aid and privileges of entry for its citizens to live and work into the U.S. In return, the U.S is permitted to operate military bases in the region.

While English is the official language of education and trade, Chuukese, Yapese, Pohnpein, Kosrean, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi are also spoken. The region is predominantly Christian, with Roman Catholicism being the most widely accepted and attended church group.