r: Kosrae, Ponape, Truk, and Yap Districts (Trust Territory of
the Pacific Islands)
abbreviation: FSM

Data code: FM

Government type: constitutional government in free association
with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 3
November 1986

Capital: Palikir

Administrative divisions: 4 states; Chuuk (Truk), Kosrae,
Pohnpei, Yap

Independence: 3 November 1986 (from the US-administered UN
Trusteeship)

National holiday: Proclamation of the Federated States of
Micronesia, 10 May (1979)

Constitution: 10 May 1979

Legal system: based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the
legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: President Jacob NENA (acting president since NA July
1996, president since 9 May 1997); Vice President Leo A. FALCAM
(since 9 May 1997); note--the president is both the chief of state
and head of government; Vice President Jacob NENA became acting
president in July 1996 after President Bailey OLTER suffered a
stroke; OLTER was declared incapacitated in November 1996; as
provided for by the constitution, 180 days later, with OLTER still
unable to resume his duties, NENA was sworn in as the new president;
he will serve for the remaining two years of OLTER's term
head of government: President Jacob NENA (acting president since NA
July 1996, president since 9 May 1997); Vice President Leo A. FALCAM
(since 9 May 1997); note--the president is both the chief of state
and head of government; Vice President Jacob NENA became acting
president in July 1996 after President Bailey OLTER suffered a
stroke; OLTER was declared incapacitated in November 1996; as
provided for by the constitution, 180 days later, with OLTER still
unable to resume his duties, NENA was sworn in as the new president;
he will serve for the remaining two years of OLTER's term
cabinet: Cabinet
elections: president and vice president elected by Congress from
among the four senators-at-large for four-year terms; election last
held 11 May 1995 (next to be held NA May 1999); note--because of the
vacancy to the post of vice president created after NENA left to
become acting president, a new election to fill the position of vice
president for the remaining two years of the term was held on 9 May
1997 (next to be held NA May 1999)
election results: Bailey OLTER reelecte