Economic Overview
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Federated States of Micronesia: Economy
https://www.adb.org/countries/micronesia/economy
The resumption of public investments has helped the economy attain 1.4% growth in FY2015, following 3 years of economic contraction. Stimulus from construction under compact infrastructure grants will support growth in the near term. Growth forecast for Federated States of Micronesia is 2.5% in 2017.
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Micronesia, Federated States of Economy 2016
http://www.theodora.com/wfbcurrent/micronesia_federated_states_of/micronesia_federated_states_of_economy.html
Economic activity consists of subsistence farming and fishing and government which is funded largely by Compact of Free Association (Compact) assistance provided by the US. The islands have few known mineral deposits worth commercial exploration. The potential for tourism is also limited by isolation, lack of adequate facilities, and limited air and water connections
Industry Trends & Business Climate
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Micronesia, Federated States of
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/1839.htm
A current update on Micronesia from the US Department of State
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Micronesia : Business Environment: Business Startup
http://mecometer.com/infographic/micronesia/business-environment-business-startup/
This site reports on the ease of doing business in Micronesia.
Establishing a Presence
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Starting a Business in Micronesia
http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/micronesia/starting-a-business
This World Bank site provides a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Micronesia, Fed Sts.
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Doing Business in Micronesia, Fed Sts
http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/micronesia
This World Bank site ranks the ease of doing business in Micronesia. Overall, Micronesia ranks 151 of the 190 countries in the world.
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Micronesian Registration Advisors, Inc.
http://www.mra.fm/
Micronesia Registration Advisors has a government contract to assist new companies witht ehregistration process.
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Starting a Business in Micronesia
http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/micronesia/starting-a-business
This World Bank site provides a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Micronesia, Fed Sts.
Taxes
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Micronesia Sales Tax Rate | VAT | 2014-2016
http://www.tradingeconomics.com/micronesia/sales-tax-rate
The Sales Tax Rate in Micronesia stands at 5 percent. Sales Tax Rate in Micronesia averaged 5.00 percent from 2014 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 5.00 percent in 2015 and a record low of 5.00 percent in 2015.
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Paying Taxes in Micronesia
http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/micronesia/paying-taxes
This site provides a detailed summary of the taxes and mandatory contributions that a medium-size company must pay or withhold in a given year (including VAT)
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Paying Taxes in Micronesia
http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/micronesia/paying-taxes
This site provides a detailed summary of the taxes and mandatory contributions that a medium-size company must pay or withhold in a given year, as well as administrative burden in paying taxes and complying with postfiling procedures.
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Micronesia Economy: Population, GDP, Inflation
http://www.heritage.org/index/country/micronesia
The corporate tax rate is 21 percent
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Micronesia Economy: Population, GDP, Inflation
http://www.heritage.org/index/country/micronesia
The personal income tax rate is 10 percent
Visas
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Micronesia Visa: Application, Requirements
https://micronesia.visahq.com/
Comprehensive Information on Micronesia Visa Requirements
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Entry Requirements – Federated States of Micronesia
http://www.visit-micronesia.fm/guide/regulation.html
Each island airport has its own customs and immigration officers. If you plan on visiting several islands on one trip, you will be passing through customs and immigration lines at each stop and filling out the usual paperwork. U.S. citizens may enter any FSM state with a U.S. passport or proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate). Non U.S. citizens must have a valid passport from their country of origin.
Infrastructure
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Micronesia — Transportation – iExplore
http://www.iexplore.com/articles/travel-guides/australia-and-south-pacific/micronesia/transportation
None of the Pacific Islands of Micronesia have widely available public transportation options except for taxis.
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Federated States of Micronesia Transportation
https://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Australia_and_Oceania/Federated_States_of_Micronesia/Transportation-Federated_States_of_Micronesia-TG-C-1.html
Tips on getting to and getting around Federated States of Micronesia from real travelers and locals.
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Telecommunications in the Federated States of Micronesia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telecommunications_in_the_Federated_States_of_Micronesia
This dated (2011) site provides a brief commentary on the communications systems in the Federated States of Micronesia.
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FSM Communications – FSM Gov
http://fsmgov.org/info/com.html
The FSM has over 8,400 subscribers with a telephone density of 8.02 telephone lines per 100 population. All telecommunication services are provided by the FSM Telecommunications Corp., a public corporation.
Employer Obligations
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Code of the Federated States of Micronesia
http://www.fsmsupremecourt.org/WebSite/fsm/code/index.htm
See “Title 51. Labor” in the Code of the Federated States of Micronesia
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Code of the Federated States of Micronesia
http://www.fsmsupremecourt.org/WebSite/fsm/code/index.htm
See “Title 51. Labor” in the Code of the Federated States of Micronesia
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Micronesia – U.S. Department of State
http://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2014/226778.htm
The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is a source and, to a limited extent, a destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking.
Culture/Living
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Cost of Living in Micronesia
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Micronesia
Average prices of more than 40 products and services in Micronesia. Prices of restaurants, food, transportation, utilities and housing are included.
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Cost of Living in Micronesia. 2016 prices
https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/country/micronesia
Cost of living comparisons in more than 1,600 cities all over the world.
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Micronesians – Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore
http://www.everyculture.com/wc/Mauritania-to-Nigeria/Micronesians.html
A commentary on the society of Micronesia including customs and etiquette.
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Federated States of Micronesia: Tipping & Etiquette
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g294198-s606/Federated-States-Of-Micronesia:Tipping.And.Etiquette.html
Dining etiquette in Micronesia
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The World Factbook — Central Intelligence Agency
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/fm.html
See “People and Society” on this CIA site.
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Micronesia Facts | Government, Economy, Demographics
http://country-facts.findthedata.com/l/115/Micronesia
Facts and statistics on the population of Micronesia
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Micronesia Weather and Climate – South Travels
http://www.southtravels.com/pacific/micronesia/weather.html
Micronesia enjoys a tropical climate, with relatively even, warm temperatures throughout the year. The climate in the Micronesia averages 80° F year round, with highs in the high 80s and lows in the high 70s.
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Federated States of Micronesia Weather Forecast
https://www.wunderground.com/US/FM/
The latest weather forecast for Federated States of Micronesia, along with updates about temperature, humidity, local conditions and more
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Micronesia Safety Information for Travel.
http://www.countryreports.org/travel/Micronesia/security.htm
Safe travel advice while visiting the islands of Micronesia
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Micronesia (Federated States of) travel advice – GOV.UK
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/micronesia
Latest travel advice for Micronesia including safety and security, entry requirements, travel warnings and health
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Micronesia Education System
http://www.classbase.com/Countries/Micronesia/Education-System
There is not a great deal to be said about education in Micronesia, beyond the bald fact that it is supposed to be compulsory for 8 years. In this poor country, 18.4% of youngsters get as far as college, 32% make it to high school and 36% just to elementary school, while the rest never go to school at all.
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International Schools in Micronesia
http://www.expat-quotes.com/guides/micronesia/education/international-schools-in-micronesia.htm
This list contains the most popular international and bilingual schools in Micronesia, including nursery schools, primary and secondary (high) schools.
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Public and Bank Holidays for Micronesia 2016
http://holidayyear.com/holidays/Micronesia
Micronesia holidays 2016, bank holidays, national holidays, official holiday calendar, religious festivals and celebrations for the year 2016
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Micronesia Public Holidays 2016 and 2017
http://publicholidays.asia/micronesia/
Discover the complete list of Micronesia’s public holidays for 2016 and 2017
Trade
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Micronesia Customs Regulations
https://micronesia.visahq.com/customs/
Micronesia Customs regulations and procedures for importing and exporting goods at border.
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UPS Country Regulations
https://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resources/ship/prohibited_articles.html
A UPS listing of items that cannot be imported to Micronesia.
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Customs: Regulations, Export-Import
https://cape-verde.visahq.com/customs/
A summary of import and export regulations
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Micronesia, Federated States of
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/1839.htm
Information from the US Department of State on the trade relationship with Micronesia
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GROUPS IN THE WTO Updated 29 July 2016
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/dda_e/negotiating_groups_e.pdf
Micronesia is not a WTO member and does not currently have Observer rights
Housing and Rentals
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How to Find an Apartment in Micronesia
http://www.visahunter.com/housing/how-to-find-an-apartment-in-micronesia/
Advise on apartment hunting in Micronesia
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The 10 Best Hotels in Federated States of Micronesia
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g294198-Federated_States_of_Micronesia-Hotels.html
1,041 traveler reviews, candid photos, and prices for 14 hotels in Federated States of Micronesia.
Travel
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Travel to Micronesia | USA Today
http://traveltips.usatoday.com/travel-micronesia-11225.html
More than 2,000 nautical miles separate the most distant islands and the entire nation covers more than 3 million square miles of the Pacific Ocean. Tropical jungles, spectacular coral reefs and peaceful lagoons attract visitors to Micronesia from all over the world.
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Travel Guide to Micronesia, Pacific Islands
http://www.southpacific.org/guide/micronesia.html
A good guide for travel to Micronesia with information on transportation, destinations and attractions.