Satawal

Satawal is a small island in the Federated States of Micronesia and the most easterly inhabited island in the State of Yap. Only the uninhabited island Pikelot lies further east within the State of Yap.

Geography

Satawal belongs geographically to the archipelago of the Caroline Islands. It is a flat coral island, which reaches a height of four meters above sea level. A small copse mangrove -lined trough in the East is testimony of a former lagoon. It is a former atoll.

The island is largely forested with coconut trees. There you will also find breadfruit trees. The only village is situated in the north.

Population

Satawal had 531 inhabitants for 2000. 1970 census, there were only 93

Language

Named after the island dialect Satawal similar to Chuukesischen very strong.

Economy

The inhabitants live mainly from fishing and agriculture. They grow mainly coconut, breadfruit and taro.

Tourism plays a rather minor role. Lack of a suitable anchorage must be brought to the beach of the island, passengers occasionally passing cruise ships with motorized dinghies.

Management

To (municipality ) Satawal also includes the uninhabited atoll West Fayu, located 82 km north-west, and also the uninhabited island Pikelot that once belonged to Lamotrek, and later to Puluwat (in today's State of Chuuk ).