Pohnpei, formerly known as Ponape, state of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), part of the Caroline Islands in the western Pacific Ocean. It consists of the volcanic island of Pohnpei and outlying coral atolls. With an area of 456 sq km (176 sq mi), Pohnpei is the country’s largest island. It has fertile soil, yielding such crops as breadfruit, coconuts, peppers, and taro. Kolonia is the largest town on the island; Palikir, near Kolonia, is the capital of the FSM. Pohnpei was formerly part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, which was administered by the United States.
