Palikir

Palikir is the capital city of the Federated States of Micronesia. It sits on the northwest side of Pohnpei island in the western Pacific Ocean.

Pohnpei is a high volcanic island. It is the largest and highest island in the nation. The island is surrounded by a fringing coral reef under the sea. To the northeast of Palikir lies Kolonia, which is the largest town on the island. Palikir is part of the larger Sokehs municipality. This area is home to many beautiful and green sights.

The town has a tropical rainforest climate. This means it stays warm throughout the year. There is very little change in the temperature from day to day. Palikir is a very wet place because it gets heavy rain all year long. In fact, it is the wettest capital city in the entire world. The town is surrounded by thick, heavily wooded forests. These forests help make the area look very scenic. The landscape moves from high mountains down to low coral atolls.

Palikir has a very interesting history. In ancient times, tribal chiefs ruled the island of Pohnpei. Many different countries controlled the islands over many years. The Spanish arrived in the 15th century, but they did not settle there until 1886. Later, Germany bought the islands from Spain in 1898. Japan took control during World War I. During World War II, the Japanese built an airport near Kolonia. After the war, the United States administered the island. Finally, the Federated States of Micronesia became independent in 1979.

The government decided to make Palikir a special capital city. They wanted a place to hold the central administration. In 1989, Palikir was officially declared the capital. The United States provided 15 million dollars to help build the modern town. This money helped build government offices and many houses. It also helped build the home for the President.

The photo shows the Congress building, the Post Office, and the Supreme Court. Today, about 4,645 people live in this growing town.

Life in Palikir is linked to the land and the sea. Most people work through fishing and farming to live. They grow many things like rice, taro, and sweet potatoes. They also grow breadfruit, cacao, and bananas. People raise animals like pigs and poultry for food. Some items, like fish and garments, are sent to Japan. Many other things, like machinery and beverages, are brought into the country. Most people in the area are Micronesian. They speak English or local languages like Pohnpeian and Yapese.