The population is estimated at 130,000, mostly of Micronesian origin. The four states were part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands and were administered by the United States from 1947 to 1986 pursuant to an agreement with the United Nations. Political legitimacy rests on the popular will expressed by a majority vote through elections in accordance with the Constitution.
Traditional leaders retain considerable influence.
Under the Compact of Free Association, the United States is responsible for the islands' defense. The FSM has no security forces apart from national police, who operate under the office of the Secretary of Justice, and public safety officers, who operate under the authority of the attorney generals of the individual state governments. The economy depends heavily on transfer payments from the United States, fishing, tourism, and subsistence agriculture. The Government generally respects the human rights of its citizens, and the law and judiciary provide effective means of dealing with individual instances of abuse. Traditional customs distinguish between persons on the basis of social status and sex.