Day 114: Micronesia

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/fm.html

Discuss.

[MODU]

Nice region.  Have some friends that live on some of the islands (Palau, Pohnpei, and Kiribati).  Most are terribly "backwards" compared to the rest of civilization, but at the same time, they say it is relaxing and enjoyable.  Even the increased flow of tourism hasn't impacted life on most of the islands.  Guam, on the other hand, is and isn't a part of Micronesia in my book.  Much more developed than most of the islands, and primarily lives off of the US Military and tourism from the US and Japan.  I haven't been there since ummm . . . 1983 if I remember correctly, but I've heard it hasn't changed too much since then, even after being wiped out by a typhoon 5 or so years ago.  Lovely place, especially Talafofo falls.  I use to spend a few hours there just kicking back at the waters edge, reading and/or writing, and enjoying the sun.  Saipan was also a great day-trip vacation point. 

[ag]

Nice region.  Have some friends that live on some of the islands (Palau, Pohnpei, and Kiribati).  Most are terribly "backwards" compared to the rest of civilization, but at the same time, they say it is relaxing and enjoyable.  Even the increased flow of tourism hasn't impacted life on most of the islands.  Guam, on the other hand, is and isn't a part of Micronesia in my book.  Much more developed than most of the islands, and primarily lives off of the US Military and tourism from the US and Japan.  I haven't been there since ummm . . . 1983 if I remember correctly, but I've heard it hasn't changed too much since then, even after being wiped out by a typhoon 5 or so years ago.  Lovely place, especially Talafofo falls.  I use to spend a few hours there just kicking back at the waters edge, reading and/or writing, and enjoying the sun.  Saipan was also a great day-trip vacation point. 

In the context of what is being discussed here (independent countries of the world), none of the islands you mention. other than Pohnpei, are part of the Federated States of Micronesia.  Should I repay by discussing El Salvador or Brazil whenever the US comes up? It's all America, isn't it?

Just as a matter of reference: Palau and Kiribati are two separate countries, while Guam is a US possession (you know that, of course). The States of Micronesia are Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap and Kosrae.

[MODU]

Yeah, I was referring to the region, not the recognized federal state of. 

[Undisguised Sockpuppet]

What kind of name is "chuuk" for a state?

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

What kind of name is "chuuk" for a state?

You may know it better as Truk, which is the Englidh version of the name.

[Undisguised Sockpuppet]

I see... do they just get the names out of their ass or something?

[MODU]

I see... do they just get the names out of their ass or something?

They are older cultures than the US.  They might think the same thing about us.  hahha

[minionofmidas]

Indeed, "US" is probably the most dumbassed name for a country still in existence, now that the GDR which used to tie it folded.

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

Indeed, "US" is probably the most dumbassed name for a country still in existence, now that the GDR which used to tie it folded.

I don't know.  It isn't the DDR's fault that it collapsed before Dance Dance Revolution came out.

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

Actually San Marino's official name is The Most Serene Republic of San Marino. It wins.

[minionofmidas]

Actually San Marino's official name is The Most Serene Republic of San Marino. It wins.

Why? That's a nice name. I also like the Republic East of the Uruguay, especially since I've also seen the name translated as the Oriental Republic of the Uruguay. And Libya's name is ridiculously long, something like Arabic Socialist Libyan Islamic People's Republic, if memory serves.