Let’s Talk Trash!
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©2016 The Keenan Group, Inc
Let’s Talk PLACES! YAP! Yap is part of The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) which is an independent sovereign island nation and a United States associated state. The FSM consists of four states – from west to east, YAP , Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae – that are spread across the Western Pacific Ocean. Together, the states comprise around 607 islands (a combined land area of approximately 702 km2 or 271 sq mi) that cover a longitudinal distance of almost 2,700 km (1,678 mi) just north of the equator. They lie northeast of New Guinea, south of Guam and the Marianas, west of Nauru and the Marshall Islands, east of Palau and the Philippines, about 2,900 km (1,802 mi) north of eastern Australia and some 4,000 km (2,485 mi) southwest of the main islands of Hawaii. While the FSM’s total land area is quite small, it occupies more than 2,600,000 km2 (1,000,000 sq mi) of the Pacific Ocean, giving
the country the 14th largest Exclusive Economic Zone in the world. The capital is Palikir, located on Pohnpei Island, while the largest city is Weno, located in the Chuuk Atoll. The FSM was formerly a part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI), a United Nations Trust Territory under U.S. administration, but it formed its own constitutional government on May 10, 1979, becoming a sovereign state after independence was attained on November 3, 1986 under a Compact of Free Association with the United States. Other neighboring island entities, and also former members of the TTPI, formulated their own constitutional governments and became the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau. The FSM has a seat in the United Nations The Yapese have managed to maintain their ancient culture better than anywhere else in Micronesia. The heritage and traditions of the Yapese people are carefully nourished to preserve the Micronesian way of life.
Yapese culture centers around the village. Most Yapese still live in villages as their ancestors have for millenia. The contrast between old and new is sometimes staggering to the casual visitor, as well educated Yapese, fluent in English and with access to modern schooling and health care still prefer to lead their lives in the old fashioned way. Village life is influenced by a caste system which is complex and full of subtle nuances a visitor can never hope to fully understand. Status and success in Yapese society can be gained in a variety of ways, but the aquisition of material wealth in the western fashion is not one of them. A shy, but gentle and friendly people, the Yapese welcome visitors from abroad. The Yapese have a strong tradition of chants and dances, often of ancient origin. The chants and dances always tell a story, and teaching them to each new generation is an important part of preserving the Yapese heritage. Magic and ritual has a strong influence in Yapese society.
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