Caroline Islands

The Caroline Islands are a widely scattered archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean. They sit north of New Guinea and east of the Philippines. This group consists of approximately 500 small coral islands. Most of these islands are low, flat coral atolls. However, some islands rise high above the sea level. The islands stretch across a massive distance. They reach from Tobi in Palau to Kosrae in the east.

Politically, the archipelago is divided between two main entities. The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) controls the central and eastern parts. Palau sits at the extreme western end of the group. Historically, the area was known as Nuevas Filipinas, or New Philippines. This was because the islands were part of the Spanish East Indies. During that time, they were governed from Manila in the Philippines.

Life on the islands is defined by local resources and diverse cultures. The indigenous inhabitants speak many different languages. These include Pohnpeian, Chuukese, Carolinian, and Kosraean. They also speak Palauan, Chamorro, and Yapese. English serves as the lingua franca for trade and commerce. Many people also belong to non-indigenous ethnic groups. These groups include Filipinos and Japanese.

Food and housing are tied closely to the natural environment. Many people live on horticultural products and fish. They grow many varieties of bananas and taro. Taro comes in both "swamp" and "purple" varieties. On some islands, people still build houses using coconut-palm thatch. Religion has also changed over the centuries. Missionary work has made Christianity the most common religion. However, some indigenous people still hold traditional beliefs. They may believe in a supreme being called "Yalafar" and an evil spirit called "Can."

One of the most unique cultural features is found in Yap. The people of Yap use an unusual form of currency. In addition to shell money, they use stone coinage. These are large discs made of calcite or limestone. The wheels can be 6 inches to 12 feet in diameter. Some weigh nearly 5 tons. These stones were quarried in the Pelew Islands, 200 miles to the south. They were moved by native vessels or rafts. Later, European vessels helped transfer them.

History shows that many different powers have controlled these islands. Portuguese navigators first reached the islands in 1525. Spanish explorers arrived shortly after in 1526. They claimed the Ulithi Islands for Spain in 1528. In 1686, Francisco de Lezcano named them "Las Carolinas." He named them after the Spanish King Charles II. Spain later sold the islands to Germany in 1899. This sale cost 25 million pesetas.

In the 20th century, the islands saw significant political shifts. Japan invaded the islands in 1914 during World War I. They operated a large base at Truk Lagoon. During World War II, the Allies neutralized Truk in Operation Hailstone. After the war, the islands became trust territories of the United States. Eventually, the islands gained independence. The Federated States of Micronesia became independent in 1986. Palau followed in 1994.

Traditional knowledge remains a vital part of the region's identity. Mau Piailug was a famous navigator from the island of Satawal. He studied the traditional techniques of the Weriyeng school. He shared this knowledge with the Polynesian Voyaging Society in the 1970s. This helped revive traditional navigation practices. It also helped anthropologists understand Micronesian history. On Pohnpei, legends describe different historical eras. These include the era of the Saudeleur rulers and the era of tribal chiefs.