Pohnpei

Pohnpei is a significant island located within the Senyavin Islands.

This island group is part of the larger Caroline Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Politically, Pohnpei is one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). It serves as a vital hub for the nation. The island contains Palikir, which is the capital of the FSM. It also contains Kolonia, the capital of Pohnpei State. As the largest island in the FSM, it is also the most populous. In 2010, the population of the state was approximately 36,196 people.

The geography of Pohnpei is defined by its extreme wetness and high terrain. It belongs to the tropical rainforest climate zone. This means it stays warm and receives heavy rainfall. Pohnpei is one of the wettest places on Earth. Coastal towns receive high amounts of rain every year. Some mountainous locations receive even more. The highest point on the island is Mount Nanlaud. It reaches a height of approximately 772 to 782 metres. This constant moisture supports a rich variety of life.

Biodiversity is a key feature of the island's natural environment. Pohnpei is home to several dozen bird species. Four of these species are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else. These include the Pohnpei lorikeet, the Pohnpei fantail, and the Pohnpei flycatcher. The long-billed white-eye is also unique to the island. The Pohnpei starling was once endemic but is thought to be extinct. The island also hosts the ka tree, or *Terminalia carolinensis*. This tree is only found on Pohnpei and Kosrae. The surrounding lagoons are also teeming with life, including fish, molluscs, and turtles.

One of the most remarkable features is the ancient site of Nan Madol.

This site consists of megaliths and a ruined city. It was built on artificial islands off the eastern shore. Construction began as early as the 8th or 9th century. Because of its importance, it was declared a national historic site in 1985. The site represents a massive feat of ancient engineering. It remains a central part of the island's cultural identity.

The human history of Pohnpei is divided into many distinct eras. The earliest settlers were likely people from the Lapita culture. They may have come from the Southeast Solomon Islands or the Vanuatu archipelago. Local history includes the era of the Saudeleur dynasty. These rulers established a centralized, absolute government. However, their rule became increasingly oppressive over generations. This led to resentment among the local people. Eventually, a figure named Isokelekel arrived. He replaced the Saudeleur rule with the decentralized nahnmwarki system. This system of chiefs and clans still exists today.

European contact changed the course of Pohnpeian history. The Spanish navigator Álvaro de Saavedra Cerón arrived in 1529. He called the islands *Los Pintados* because the natives had tattoos. Later, the Russian explorer Fyodor Litke visited in 1828. His ship, the *Senyavin*, gave the island group its name. Throughout the 19th century, whaling and trading vessels arrived frequently. This era also saw the arrival of missionaries. Protestant missionaries established a permanent presence in 1852. These missionaries left many journals that are now kept at Harvard University.

In the 20th century, Pohnpei experienced several periods of foreign rule. Spain claimed the islands in 1886. The German Empire purchased the islands from Spain in 1899. German administration brought major changes to land ownership. They replaced the feudal system with individual land deeds. This reduced the economic power of the traditional chiefs. Later, Japan took control following the Treaty of Versailles. During World War II, the island was part of a major conflict. Although the U.S. Navy bypassed the island during its campaigns, Pohnpei was still shelled by battleships.

Following the surrender of Japan in 1945, the United States administered the island. This was done under United Nations oversight as part of a trusteeship. This period lasted until the Federated States of Micronesia achieved independence in 1986. Today, Pohnpei is a diverse and modern state. The population includes many different ethnic backgrounds. This diversity is a result of over a century of colonial occupation. People of Spanish, German, Japanese, Chamorro, and Filipino descent live there. Pohnpei maintains a defense and aid agreement with the United States. It remains a vital part of the Pacific region.