The Pacific Realm:
REGION: Micronesia

Micronesia lies north of Melanesia and east of the Philippines. It is composed of over 2000 small ("micro" means small) mostly low lying (see lecture on: High Island culture/Low island Culture) islands. Of the few high islands, none achieve an elevation over 3,300 feet.

Micronesia includes part of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, Northern Marina Islands, the Republic of Marshall Islands, Nauru, and western Kiribati. As well as the island of Guam under the control of the United States.

Although "independent" States, Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia,, and the Republic of Marshall Islands have declared themselves to be in "free association with" the United States, and the Northern Marina Islands are "in political union with" the U.S. Under these arrangements they agree to avoid foreign policy disputes with the U.S. and the United States provides economic assistance.