POHNPEI

also spelled Ponape, also called Ascension, high coral-capped volcanic island, eastern Caroline Islands; it and nearby atolls constitute a state in the Federated States of Micronesia, in the western Pacific. Pohnpei island is roughly square and has a land area of 129 square miles (334 square km). It is well watered, hilly (rising to Mount Totolom, 2,593 feet ), and is surrounded by a barrier reef with many small islets. Its fertile soil and heavy rainfall have resulted in luxuriant tropical foliage, and it has been called the garden of Micronesia. It has mangrove swamps along its coasts and rain forest in the central hilly area. Situated near Pohnpei are the low-lying coral atolls of Oroluk, Pakin, and Ant to the west; Ngatik, Nukuoro, and Kapingamarangi atolls to the southwest; and Mokil and Pingelap atolls to the east. Most of the coral atolls are wooded and support coconut palms. The native people, with the exception of the Polynesian inhabitants of Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi, are Micronesians. In the lagoon on the eastern coast of Pohnpei is Nan Madol, a group of 92 prehistoric, artificial platform islands built in the lagoon and surrounded by man-made canals. Ruins of a town and ceremonial centre of the early 2nd millennium AD include tombs of former kings, belonging, according to tradition, to the Sau Deleur dynasty that once ruled the whole island. Though Pohnpei was much visited by whalers and traders, it was not until the mid-19th century that missionaries established schools there. Spanish administration was followed by German possession after 1898. The Germans promoted the production of copra. After World War I, Japan was given mandate of Micronesia under the League of Nations, and Pohnpei was made one of the administrative centres. During World War II Pohnpei's Japanese garrison was bypassed by the Allies and isolated prior to its surrender. The island was part of the United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands from 1947 until the dissolution of the Trust Territory in 1986. Pohnpei yields a wide variety of tropical products, including copra, breadfruit, taro, cacao, trochus, and tilapia. Rice is grown, pigs and poultry are raised, and fish are caught. The main coastal villages are Kolonia, Metalanim, and Ronkiti. Pohnpei has an international airport and is the site of the Community College of Micronesia. Palikir, near Kolonia, functions as the capital of the Federated States of Micronesia. Pop. (1985 est.) island (including Ant Atoll), 24,788.