CHUUK ISLANDS

formerly Truk Islands, or Hogoleu, cluster of 14 much-eroded high volcanic islands in Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia, in the western Pacific Ocean. Forming part of the eastern Caroline Islands, the Chuuk Islands are enclosed within an encircling barrier bank composed of some 69 sand and coral islets. The bank (often referred to as a reef) encloses a lagoon of 822 square miles (2,129 square km) in area and has a diameter of some 40 miles (65 km). Chief islands of the group are Weno (Moen), Dublon, Fefan, Uman, Udot, and Tol, and the total land area is 38.5 square miles (100 square km). Observed by the Spaniard lvaro Saavedra in 1528, Chuuk was visited occasionally by 19th-century traders and whalers and was included in the German purchase of parts of Micronesia from Spain (1899). Annexed by Japan (1914) and strongly fortified for World War II, the islands (then known as Truk) were heavily attacked, bypassed, and blockaded by the Allies during the war. The sunken hulls of Japanese ships remain, along with ruined weapons and fortifications on land. Chuuk, together with the other islands in what are now the Federated States of Micronesia, was part of the U.S.-administered United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands from 1947 to 1986. The high islands of the Chuuk group have mangrove swamps along their coasts, as well as rainforests in the central mountainous areas. The native people are Micronesians who fish and raise pigs, poultry, taro, breadfruit, yams, and bananas. Copra is the chief cash crop. About half of the population lives in Weno; most others reside in traditional villages. Chuuk has a commercial dock at Weno and an international airport. Pop. (1980) 28,328; (1989) 38,341.