Changing Regional Demography in the Federated States of Micronesia: Contrasting Planning Challenges in an Emerging Pacific Nation

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Abstract
Island nations consisting of small landmasses separated by large expanses of ocean face particularly severe challenges in their quest for economic and social development. In this paper, planning concerns in one such nation, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), are examined. The study opens with a description of each of the four separate states in the FSM, emphasizing their geographical, historical, and cultural characteristics. Regional aspects of FSM development are then examined by a statistical analysis of the geographical distribution of population in the individual states. Strategies are explored to incorporate rural outer islands found in three states, as outlined in the first two FSM national plans. The study concludes with an assessment of the regional challenge of developing the FSM into an economically and culturally sustainable nation.

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