Yap facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Yap
Waqab
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Island
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Map of Yap State
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Map of Yap Islands
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| Country |  Federated States of Micronesia |
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| Area | |||
| • Total | 308 km2 (118.9 sq mi) | ||
| • Land | 100 km2 (38.7 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 178 m (584 ft) | ||
| Population
(2010 census)
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| • Total | 11,377 | ||
| • Density | 36.944/km2 (95.69/sq mi) | ||
Yap, also known as Wa′ab, is an island in the western Pacific Ocean. It is part of the Federated States of Micronesia. The name "Yap" can also mean the entire state of Yap. This state includes the main Yap Islands and many smaller islands around them.
Contents
Geography of Yap
The Yap Main Islands are actually four islands very close together. These are Yap Island proper (Marbaq), Gagil-Tamil, Maap, and Rumung. They are connected and share a single coral reef. These islands are called "high" islands because they were formed by land pushing up from the ocean floor. This is different from flat atolls.
The land on Yap is mostly rolling hills. It is covered with thick plants and trees. Along the coast, you will find many Mangrove swamps. However, there are also beaches on the northern parts of the islands.
Without counting the reef, Yap is about 24 kilometers (15 miles) long. It is 5 to 10 kilometers (3 to 6 miles) wide. The total land area is about 98 square kilometers (38 square miles). The highest point is Mount Taabiywol, which is 178 meters (584 feet) tall. The local Yapese people have very strong cultures and traditions. These are often more noticeable than in other parts of Micronesia.
Capital City of Yap State
Colonia is the capital city of the State of Yap. This state includes the main Yap Islands and other nearby islands. These outer islands are mostly atolls. They stretch about 800 kilometers (500 miles) to the east and south.
Some of these outer islands are Eauripik, Elato, Faraulep, and Ulithi. Historically, the smaller islands gave goods to the main Yap Islands. This was probably for things like food and wood to build boats.
Population of Yap
In the year 2000, the total population of Colonia and ten other areas was 11,241 people. The entire state of Yap has a land area of about 102 square kilometers (39 square miles).
Related Information
Images for kids
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Stone money being moved to Yap Island (1880)
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A large example of Yapese stone money (Rai) in Gachpar village. It is about 2.4 meters (8 feet) tall.
See also
In Spanish: Yap para niños
