An island nation in the Caroline Islands of the western Pacific Ocean. Originally inhabited by Austronesian-speaking peoples, the islands were controlled in turn by Spain, Germany, and Japan prior to their capture by US forces during World War II. The group was administered as part of the US Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands after 1947 and became independent in 1986. Palikir, on Pohnpei (Ponape) Island, is the capital.