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Palikir

Capital of MicronesiaPalikir lies in forest on the north-west side of Pohnpei island, in Sokehs municipality, about 8 km south-west of the town of Kolonia.

Why it's the capital

Palikir was a tiny village until the government of the Federated States of Micronesia chose the area for a purpose-built capital. Government offices, homes and the President's residence were built there, and it was declared the capital in 1989.

Fun facts

  1. Rain falls all year round in Palikir, on average more than 5 metres of it each year.
  2. Mount Nanlaud, about 9 km to the south-east, is the highest point of Pohnpei and of the whole Federated States of Micronesia, at about 780 m.
  3. Temperatures in Palikir change very little from one part of the year to another.

Finding it on the globe

Pohnpei lies at about 7° north, on almost the same latitude as Majuro but about 13 degrees of longitude further west. Palau is much further west again on the same line.

Easy to mix up

Older maps may show Kolonia, Pohnpei's largest town, as the capital; it held that role until Palikir replaced it in 1989.

Sources: Wikipedia: Palikir, Wikipedia: Kolonia