The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to Micronesia: The Federated States of Micronesia – island nation located in the North Pacific Ocean, north of Papua New Guinea. The country is a sovereign state in free association with the United States. The Federated States of Micronesia were formerly part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, a United Nations Trust Territory under US administration. In 1979 they adopted a constitution, and in 1986 independence was attained under a Compact of Free Association with the United States. Present concerns include large-scale unemployment, overfishing, and dependence on U.S. aid. The Federated States of Micronesia are located in the region known as Micronesia, which consists of hundreds of small islands divided in s