Chuuk State Census Report - pacificweb.org

2000 FSM Census of Chuuk StateChapter 1. IntroductionFigure 1.2. Population Distribution by Region: 2000Oksoritod12%N.N am oneas27%Mortlocks13%Faichuk26%S.N am oneas22%Population DensityTable 1.16 presents the population density in Chuuk State for the Lagoon and the Outer Islands. Chuuk had not onlythe largest population in the FSM but also the highest population density (number of persons per square mile). Theaverage density for Chuuk was 1,094 persons per square mile of land, 1,038 for Chuuk Lagoon and 1,194 for the OuterIslands. The population density in Chuuk State in 2000 was nearly three times that of the FSM national average (see2000 FSM Census Report). Unless corrective and immediate measures for the rapid population growth areimplemented, the situation is likely to worsen for the future.Table 1.16. Population Density, Chuuk State: 2000Characteristics Total Chuuk Lagoon Outer IslandsPopulation 53,595 40,465 13,130Land Area (in square miles) 49 39 11Density (per square miles) 1,094 1,038 1,194Source: 2000 FSM Census Table P2-1, FSM Information Handbook, No. 1, Volume 1, 1992.ConclusionCensus taking improved in the 50 years prior to the 2000 Census. Over the census years observed, the population ofChuuk State continued to increase, at a slower pace now than it was before. The geographical distribution of thepopulation had also shifted in the 50 year period observed. Northern Namoneas' share increased while that of the OuterIsland’s decreased. The proportional share of Southern Namoneas and Faichuk remained about the same. Thepopulation density increased, reflecting the growth of the population. Chuuk State's limited land area of 49 square milesmakes population density a potential problem that requires an urgent population policy to maintain at least the presentcondition.Chuuk Branch Statistics Office, Division of Statistics, FSM Department of Economic Affairs 17