Pohnpei facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Pohnpei

Map of Pohnpei
Geography
Coordinates	6°53′N 158°14′E / 6.883°N 158.233°E / 6.883; 158.233
Archipelago	Senyavin Islands
Adjacent bodies of water	Pacific Ocean
Area	334 km2 (129 sq mi)
Highest elevation	782 m (2,566 ft)
Highest point	Mount Nanlaud
Administration
Federated States of Micronesia
State	Pohnpei
Largest settlement	Kolonia (pop. 6,074)
Demographics
Population	36,832 (2020)

Pohnpei is an island in the Pacific Ocean. Its name means "upon a stone altar." It was once known as Ponape or Ascension. Pohnpei is part of the Senyavin Islands. These islands are a larger group within the Caroline Islands.

Pohnpei belongs to Pohnpei State. This state is one of four in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The FSM's capital city, Palikir, is on Pohnpei. Kolonia is the capital of Pohnpei State. Pohnpei is the largest island in the FSM. It covers 334 square kilometers. It also has the highest point and the most people, with about 34,000 residents. It is the most developed single island in the FSM.

Pohnpei has many different kinds of plants and animals. It is one of the wettest places on Earth. Some mountain areas get over 7,600 mm of rain each year. The "ka tree" (Terminalia carolinensis) grows only here and on Kosrae island.

Exploring Pohnpei's Land

A detailed map of Pohnpei, showing its five main areas.

The Senyavin Islands, including Pohnpei and two nearby atolls.

The highest point on Pohnpei is Mount Nanlaud. It stands at about 772 or 782 meters tall. The island is home to many bird species. Four of these birds are found only on Pohnpei. These include the Pohnpei lorikeet and the Pohnpei fantail. Other unique birds are the Pohnpei flycatcher and the long-billed white-eye. Sadly, a fifth unique bird, the Pohnpei starling, may have recently disappeared forever.

Only a few types of lizards live on the land. Originally, Pohnpei had only three kinds of mammals. These were rats, bats, and dogs. Pigs were brought to the island later. Some of these pigs now live in the wild. Deer were also brought during German times. The lagoons around Pohnpei are full of marine life. You can find many fish, mollusks, and turtles there.

Pohnpei's Climate and Weather

A view of Kolonia Town from Sokehs Ridge.

The main center of Pohnpei around 1960.

Pohnpei has a Tropical rainforest climate. This means it is warm and wet all year round. It is one of the wettest places on Earth. Coastal towns get about 4,775 mm of rain each year. Some mountain areas receive even more. They can get over 7,600 mm of rain annually.

Images for kids

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  Sign for travelers at Pohnpei International Airport in official English and in Japanese.

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  Municipality map of Pohnpei

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  Pohnpei International Airport Runway and Pohnpei Seaport viewed from Sokehs Ridge

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  Pohnpei lorikeet

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  Pohnpei flycatcher

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  Pohnpei Airport

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  Petroglyphs

See also

In Spanish: Pohnpei para niños