Chuuk Lagoon

Chuuk Lagoon (also known as Truk Lagoon) is a sheltered body of water in the central Pacific. About 1,800 kilometres north-east of New Guinea, it is located mid-ocean at Micronesia, near the Equator. It is part of Chuuk State within the Federated States of Micronesia. The atoll is protected by a reef, creating a natural harbour that was used as Japan's main base in the South Pacific during World War II.

Geography

Chuuk Lagoon is a large archipelago with mountainous islands surrounded by a string of islets on a barrier reef. The Chuuk Lagoon islands are part of the larger Caroline Islands group. The area consists of eleven major islands, which are surrounded by 40 smaller ones within the lagoon, and 16 more outside the barrier reef.

History

Chuuk Lagoon was a major ship anchorage and was the Empire of Japan's main base in the South Pacific theatre during World War II. It was the base for operations against Allied forces in New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. In 1944, during Operation Hailstone, many Japanese support vessels and aircraft were destroyed, and today Chuuk Lagoon is a popular site for scuba diving with numerous underwater wrecks.

Economy

The economy of Chuuk Lagoon is largely dependent on subsistence farming and fishing. The main crops include breadfruit, yams, taro, bananas, and coconuts. The government is the largest employer, providing services including education, healthcare, and public works.

Culture

The people of Chuuk Lagoon are known as Chuukese. They have a matrilineal culture, with descent and land inheritance passed through the mother's line. The traditional religion of the Chuukese people is animistic, but most have converted to Christianity, primarily Protestantism.

See also

• Federated States of Micronesia
• Operation Hailstone
• Caroline Islands