Yap State

Yap State is a constituent state of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). It is located in the westernmost portion of the nation.

The state is positioned near several other territories and nations. It borders Palau to the southwest and Guam to the north. To the east, it shares a border with Chuuk State. While the state covers a total area of 119.54 square kilometers, most of this area is actually water. The capital and only town is Colonia.

The geography of the state is quite diverse. It consists of four main islands known as the Yapese Main Islands. These are Rumung, Maap, Gagil-Tamil, and Yap Proper, also called Marbaa'. Beyond these main islands, there are 134 smaller islands and atolls. These islands are organized into 21 different municipalities. Each municipality is divided into several village units. These units are often defined by historical boundary lines and local customs. The municipalities are grouped into five main island clusters.

The history of the region is marked by powerful ancient empires. Around 950 AD, the Yapese Empire was a significant force. It was contemporary to the Tu'i Tonga Empire. At its peak, the Yapese Empire controlled 1,300 km of the western Pacific. This empire included all inhabited islands and atolls between Yap and Chuuk. The rulers of the Gagil chiefdom maintained sovereignty over these eastern islands. They extracted resources and tribute through political and economic relationships.

One of the most famous aspects of Yapese history is their use of rai stones. These stones served as a form of currency. Because the specific rock needed for the stones was not available on Yap, they had to be imported. Most of the stone was obtained from Palau. The value of the rai stones was derived from the danger of the expeditions. These trips to obtain the rock were quite risky for the travelers. This unique economic system was a central part of their culture.

Since the 16th century, many foreign powers have held influence in the islands. The Portuguese navigator Diogo da Rocha arrived in Ulithi in 1525. Later, Spain ruled the islands from the 16th century until the late 19th century. Following the Carolines Question in 1885, Pope Leo XIII confirmed Spanish possession. However, Spain sold the Carolines and other islands to the German Empire in 1899. Japan occupied the area in 1914. During World War II, the United States took control in 1944. Yap eventually became part of the FSM and gained official independence in 1986.

The government of Yap State is unique because it uses four branches. The Executive Branch includes the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor. They are responsible for executing laws and managing government services. The Legislative Branch, known as the Yap State Legislature, creates and passes bills. The Judicial Branch, or the Yap State Court, ensures that laws follow the constitution. The fourth branch is the traditional branch. This branch consists of two groups of chiefs: the Council of Pilung and the Council of Tamol. These councils protect local customs and regulate cultural issues.

The economy of Yap is developing through various sectors. In 2018, the total GDP was US$52 million. The state has a relatively small tourism industry, with about 4,000 annual visitors reported between 2010 and 2017. However, there are plans for a large 4,000-unit resort. The labor force is quite active, with 67% of the population working in 2010. Most people work in formal jobs, but many also engage in subsistence production at home. The state also relies on a small financial sector with five different institutions.

Demographically, the state is home to 11,577 people as of the 2020 census. The population is mainly made up of Yapese, Ulithians, Woleaians, and Satawalese people. There is also a growing number of foreign citizens from the United States, Japan, Palau, and the Philippines. Religion plays a significant role in the community. About 80% of the population is Catholic, while the rest are Protestant. The state is also home to the Yap Monarch, which is the state bird.