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Chuuk

Chuuk, which was known as Truk until 1990, is an island group that comprises one of the states of the Federated States of Micronesia, along with Kosrae[?], Pohnpei (Ponape), and Yap. It lies in the South Pacific approximately 1000 kilometres southeast of Guam.

Chuuk is a large coral atoll. Besides the atoll, there are any small outlying islands and islets. Most of those islands are uninhabited, primarily due to a lack of water. One of the larger islands is connected to Chuuk by a causeway.

It is the largest of the FSM's states by population. It is divided into five districts.

Most of the roads and transportation systems are poor or evein in disrepair. There is an airfield. The government operates air transportation to the other three states.

The government of the state operates a radio station. Radio is the most important form of communications.

During World War II, a significant portion of the Japanese fleet was based in Truk Lagoon. Operation Hailstone, executed by the United States in 1944, culminated in one of the most important naval battles of the war at Truk. Several Japanese support vessels and a number of aircraft were destroyed, although the larger ships had received advance warning and were already at sea.

Tourism, especially scuba diving among the many wrecks of Chuuk Lagoon is Chuuk's main industry. Copra, (dried coconut meat) is the only cash crop but is of insignificant importance. Most of the inhabited outlyng islands engage in subsistence activity only.



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