Pohnpei Constitution Day in Micronesia Date in the current year: November 8, 2024

The Federated States of Micronesia occupies the eastern part of the Caroline Islands, a widely scattered archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. The western part of the Carolines is occupied by Palau. The archipelago was discovered by Portuguese navigators, but it was Spain that first claimed the islands. In 1899, Spain sold the Carolines to Germany. Japan invaded and occupied the archipelago during World War I. Following Japan’s capitulation in World War II, the Caroline Islands became a trust territory of the United States.

On May 10, 1979, Pohnpei, Yap, Kosrae and Chuuk ratified the Constitution of the Federated States of Micronesia. Among other articles, it contained an article stating that each state shall have a democratic constitution of its own, which shall guarantee a democratic form of government to each citizen of the state.

The constitution of Pohnpei was ratified on November 8, 1979. It consists of a preamble and 15 articles: Territory and Jurisdiction, Supremacy, Citizenship, Fundamental Rights, Tradition, Suffrage and Elections, Responsibilities of the Government of Pohnpei, Legislative, Executive, Judiciary, Public Finance, Land, General Provisions, Local Governments, and Amendment.

Pohnpei Constitution Day is an official holiday in the state of Pohnpei, thus on November 8, all schools, banks, post offices and other government agencies in Pohnpei are closed. The anniversary of the adoption of the state constitution is marked with various events.