Caroline Islands

Caroline Islands, archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean, consisting of 963 islands, atolls, and islets, and covering 1,165 sq km (450 sq mi). Formerly part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands administered by the United States, the Carolines are divided politically into the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Republic of Palau. The FSM consists of four states: Chuuk (formerly Truk), Kosrae, Pohnpei (formerly Ponape), and Yap. Agriculture and fishing are the main economic activities in the Carolines. Products include bananas, cassava, coconuts, sweet potatoes, tuna and other fish, and handicrafts.

Ruins on some of the Caroline Islands indicate early settlement and possible contact with Chinese civilization. The islands were visited by Spanish navigators in the early 16th century, but were not colonized by Spain until the late 19th century. Germany acquired the islands from Spain in 1899. Japan occupied the islands in 1914, during World War I, in alliance with the Associated Powers. In 1920 Japan received a mandate from the League of Nations to adminster the islands. During World War II (1939-1945) some of the islands (notably Chuuk) were heavily bombarded by U.S. forces. In 1947 the islands were placed under United Nations trusteeship and administered by the United States. In 1979 all the Carolines except the Palau Islands united to form the Federated States of Micronesia. In 1986 a Compact of Free Association between the FSM and the United States went into effect. Under the compact, the FSM became fully self-governing, but the United States remained responsible for the islands' defense. In 1994 the Palau Islands became an independent nation, also in free association with the United States.