osrae State is part of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and is located in the South Pacific at 5.19' north latitude and 163° east longitude. The distance in statute miles to major regional metropolitan areas are: Hong Kong (2.661), Honolulu (2.960), Los Angeles (5.313), Manila (2.968), Sydney (3.417) and Tokyo (3.529).

Kosrae is the second largest island in the FSM with its 42 square mile land area. The island is volcanic and dominated by Mt. Finkol (2.069 feet). Dense jungle occupies the sloping very fertile land from the interior part to the coastal zone.  Mangrove forest maintain the beautiful coral reef that surrounds Kosrae.

Between the two world wars thousands of Japanese took residence on Kosrae. By the end of second world war the Japanese was gone and Kosrae became part of the District of Pohnpei until 1977 where it was declared status as a separate state of the FSM. FSM achieved its political independence on November 3, 1986. From 1947 it had been part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands under the United Nations and administered by the United States of America.

The temperature is pleasantly warm and close to 80° Fahrenheit year round. The average annual rainfall in inches are around 210 in. with the rainy season stretching from December to May.

Kosraeans are a warm smiling and friendly people. Most Kosraeans speak English and enjoys a relaxed island lifestyle. The culture is traditional Kosraean yet adaptable, and is a source of identity and inspiration. Traditional authority rests with the men within the families. Religion plays an important role to the Kosraean people. On Sundays people go to church and throughout the day the unique and beautiful Kosraean choral singing can be heard all over the island.

In 1997 the population of Kosrae was 7.517 people (1997 Statistical Bulletin). The medium age was 19.5 years. 52% of the population were males. The expected growth rate for the population is 1.09% annually. The majority of the young population receives a High School education and some move on to obtain a College degree from College of Micronesia or abroad.

The public sector still occupies the majority of Kosraeans (58.5% in 1997), however a small increase in the private sector has occurred (from 40.4% in 1996 to 41.5% in 1997). The majority of employees (86.7%) are holding positions within the different Governmental departments. In the private sector the main occupations are: Retail outlets, restaurant and resorts, farming and fishing, service businesses.