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The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is a young independent nation, which consists of over 600 islands, with a total land area of only 701 sq km. The islands are located in the western Pacific Ocean over an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of approximately 2.9 million sq km and a maximum height of 791 m above sea level. There are four states which comprise FSM. From west to east they are Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae. The population of these islands was estimated at 116 400 in 19991 , with Chuuk being the most populous state. FSM encompasses both mountainous islands with fertile volcanic soils and remarkably high rainfall, as well as low-lying atolls. It is endowed with abundant and varied marine resources and limited land-based resources. The economy of FSM is quite reliant on foreign aid. Other mainstays include fisheries, agriculture and tourism. Copra, fish and trochus shell contribute to the export earnings of the country.

SOPAC water, sanitation and hygiene for Pacific Island countries