Palikir (/ˈpælɪˌkɪər/) is a town and the capital of the Federated States of Micronesia in the western Pacific Ocean. It is part of the much larger Sokehs municipality, which had a population of 7000 as of 2009, with 106,487 being the total population of the country. It is situated on the northwest side of Pohnpei island (population 33,000) a high volcanic island surrounded by a fringing coral reef. Nearby to the northeast is the island's largest settlement, the coastal town of Kolonia.
Micronesia Food forms a prominent part of the culture of the island nation. The chief food items of Micronesia include starchy carbohydrate based foods, meat and fruits. The custom of sharing food, prevalent in Micronesia, symbolizes the strong bonds existent between the people of the island nation.
The politics of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) takes place in a framework of a federal representative democratic republic. The President of the Federated States of Micronesia is both head of state and head of government. Executive power is exercised by the president and his cabinet, while legislative power is vested in both the president and the Congress. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.