FSM HistoryLesson pack 8 of 10
Free association 1982–2026
Summary
In June 1983 FSM voters approved the Compact of Free Association by 20,121 votes to 5,348, though Pohnpei voted no and most voters nationally chose independence on a fallback question. The Compact took effect in November 1986, giving the FSM self-government and its own foreign relations while the United States kept defense authority, and the FSM joined the United Nations in 1991. Three compacts have brought three eras of US funding, and visa-free entry to the US has drawn so many people away that the 2023 census counted about a quarter fewer people than in 2010.
Main topics: The Compact took 17 years to finish; Three compacts, three funding eras; Open migration drained the population.
Mini-timeline
| 1982 | (May–Oct 1982) Most Compact subsidiary agreements are signed in bilateral talks. [Armstrong & Hills] |
|---|---|
| 1985 | (21 Oct 1985) Nakayama’s fifth State of the Nation: “The development of our nation must be our Number One priority.” [National Union, 30 Oct 1985] |
| 1989 | (Feb 1989) President Haglelgam attends Emperor Showa’s state funeral in Japan, returning 27 February. [National Union, Feb 1989] |
| 1993 | (2 Mar 1993) Congressional elections held; all candidates independents. [Wikipedia, 1993 election] |
| 1996 | (1996) COM-FSM national campus moves from Kolonia to Palikir. [COM-FSM catalog 2011–12] |
| 2000 | (Jan 2000) FSM and Japan sign notes worth over US$7 million to improve the Dekehtik fishing port. [unmission.fm 2000 archive p. 12] |
| 2003 | (4 Mar) Congressional election for all 14 seats; 28 independent candidates, four unopposed. [Wikipedia, 2003 election] |
| 2010 | (2010) Over Seas and Time, the first national history textbook, reaches 9th–10th graders. [unmission.fm] |
| 2019 | (11 May) David Panuelo becomes ninth president; Yosiwo George stays VP. [gov.fm, 9th President] |
| 2024 | (5 Jun) The 26th Micronesian Islands Forum ends in Guam with a joint communiqué. [gov.fm, Jun 2024] |
| 2025 | (Oct) New Financial Management Information System launched. [gov.fm, Oct 2025] |
| 2026 | (2026 (48th session)) UNESCO keeps Nan Madol on the Danger List and wants a plan aligned with Pohnpeian living traditions. [UNESCO Decision 48 COM 7A.25] |
Discussion questions
What does ‘free association’ give the FSM, and what does it give the United States?
How have the three compacts differed in money and structure?
Why has the FSM population fallen since 2010?
How has migration shaped Micronesian communities in the United States?
What is the trust fund for, and why does it matter after US grants end?
Quiz
Write short answers on the lines. For ordering questions, fill the boxes in order, earliest first.
What did the Compact of Free Association give the FSM, and what did the United States keep?
In the 1983 Compact plebiscite, which state was the only one to vote no, and what did most voters nationally choose on the fallback question?
Put these in order, earliest first:
- A The FSM joins the United Nations
- B The Compact enters into force
- C The Compact is signed with the FSM
- D The UN Security Council formally ends the FSM trusteeship
Earliest Latest
What did the 1996 US welfare law take away from Compact migrants, and when was it restored?
Why has the FSM’s population fallen since 2010?