Micronesia consists of 607 islands spread across 1,800 miles of the Western Pacific. The islands were formed from volcanic activity, resulting in wide geological variation. You can scuba dive off coral atolls or cliff dive off high mountains.
The nation is divided into four island groups---each with its own highlights. Chuuk is know for its shipwreck diving; Kosrae for its stunning nature; Pohnpei for its ancient ruins and lush beauty; and Yap for remaining the most untouched by Western influence.
Visitors to Kosrae can see more than 600 species of plants, such as orchids, mahogany and plumeria, and such animals as monitor lizards and fruit bats.
Life in the more traditional villages of the outer islands, such as Yap, has not changed in centuries. A stranger may be welcomed with a feast of seafood, taro, yams, bananas and breadfruit. Examine the "stone money," once used as a form of payment despite measuring up to 12 feet in diameter.
Snorkelers and scuba divers can see remains of the Japanese fleet in Chuuk's Truk Lagoon. The ships were sunk in February 1944 during one of the most important naval battles of World War II.
The 16th season of the hit reality TV show, "Survivor," was filmed in Micronesia.
