Micronesia

Islam in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is a tiny minority religion with a very limited presence. Here are the key details:

1. Muslim Population:

  • The Muslim population in Micronesia is estimated to be less than 1% of the total population (which is around 100,000 people).
  • Most Muslims in FSM are foreign workers, students, or expatriates, primarily from countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the Middle East.
  • There are few or no known indigenous Micronesian Muslims.

2. Arrival of Islam:

  • Islam was introduced to Micronesia only recently, mostly through migrant laborers and visiting missionaries.
  • There is no historical native Islamic community—the religion arrived via globalization and migration.

3. Mosques and Prayer Facilities:

  • There are no formal mosques in Micronesia as of the latest reports.
  • Muslims typically organize prayers in private homes or informal spaces.
  • During Ramadan and other major Islamic occasions, the Muslim community gathers privately to observe rituals and celebrations.

4. Islamic Organizations:

  • Islamic missionary organizations, such as Tablighi Jamaat, have visited Micronesia to introduce and spread Islamic teachings, but with limited long-term impact due to the small population.
  • There is no officially registered Islamic body or permanent Islamic center in the FSM.

5. Religious Freedom:

  • The FSM Constitution guarantees religious freedom, allowing Muslims to practice their faith without interference.
  • The society is predominantly Christian, especially Roman Catholic and Protestant, but generally tolerant of religious minorities.

6. Challenges for Muslims:

  • Lack of Islamic infrastructure, such as mosques, halal food suppliers, or religious schools.
  • Social isolation, as Muslims are a very small group with limited community support.
  • Difficulty in performing communal prayers or organizing religious festivals due to dispersed community members.

7. Interfaith Relations:

  • Muslims live peacefully among the Christian majority.
  • There are no reports of religious conflict involving Muslims in FSM.

Federated States of Micronesia
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .fm
Country Code: +691