Welcome to Yap Island

Mogethin! Welcome to Yap!

Yap is one of four island states that makes up the Federated States of Micronesia. The other island states include Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae. It’s important to note that the FSM does not make up the entirety of Micronesia. Rather, it is part of one of five other Micronesian countries including Marshall Islands, Nauru, Kiribati, and Palau. Micronesia also holds three US territories including the Northern Mariana Islands, Wake Island, and Guam.

Three of the Micronesian countries (including the FSM, Palau, and Marshall Islands) are part of what is called the “Compact of Free Association” with the United States. This basically means that Palauans, FSM citizens, and Marshallese can freely live, work, and study in the United States. This also means that these islands are under US protection, receive economic assistance, and are allowed to join the US military.

A little about Yap...

 Yap island is famous for its ancient currency, better known as “stone money.” For several hundred years, Yapese traveled by canoes and rafts over 300 miles away to Palau where they quarried these huge stone megaliths from the limestone caves. The carving and transporting of these stones to Yap are a testament to the ingenuity, strength, and bravery of early Yapese. That is why today you will find pieces of stone money all throughout the island to commemorate these brave men and to retain the unique shape as a symbol of Yapese culture.

 Another interesting fact you will not be able to avoid when visiting Yap concerns the once famous Irish American by the name of David Dean O’Keefe. Using his ship and tools, he helped to bring Yapese to Palau and to transport these discs back to the island. For over thirty years he conducted his business on the island and even to this day is still remembered. You can even find a local inn on the island named after him, and there is even a small island named after him as well.

 Because of Yap’s strategic location in the Pacific, it is no surprise that it played a significant role during World War II. Beginning in 1914, Japan had a stronghold on the island of Yap, having obtained it from Germany. Between 1944-1945, several airstrikes occurred from the US as they sought to wipe out the Japanese from the island. In the end, it is estimated around forty American planes were shot down, and 100s of lives were lost. You can find the remains of these air attacks all over the island.

Some other facts about Yap...

 Today, Yapese still hold to many of its traditional customs including the way they dress, initiate domestic policies, and of course their endless amount of hospitality. Yap is one of the safest places to live, and I’ve met so many wonderful people since coming here in July. The chance to learn about ancient Yapese is right at your fingertips as there are tours available, plenty of open-hearted locals to speak to, and even an annual holiday to showcase traditional customs.

 While there are several outer islands that are apart of Yap state, they are not necessarily the same as Yap as far as traditions or customs are concerned. Even the languages are different. Some of these outer islands include Ulithi, Fais, Woleai, Satawal, and so many others. This is why here on the mainland of Yap Island, most everyone speaks English because it is the commonly understood language between everyone.

 The local cuisine is something you can't miss out on. My suggestion is to try the fish. When you visit any of the restaurants, just as what fish specialty they have for the day. Some of my favorites include the yellowfin tuna, grouper, and barracuda.

Thanks for checking out the video!

Music is copyright-free and available on YouTube Studio:
“Good Times” by Patrick Patrikios

Map images from mapsland.com and pacificworlds.com

Image of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo with Micronesian, Marshallese, and Palauan presidents is from Wikipedia.

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