Weno Explained

Weno
Settlement Type:Municipality
Pushpin Map:Federated States of Micronesia
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:Federated States of Micronesia
Subdivision Type1:Subdivision
Unit Pref:Metric
Area Total Km2:18.6
Population Total:13856
Population As Of:2010
Population Density Km2:auto
Postal Code Type:Postal code

Weno, formerly Moen, is an island municipality of Chuuk State of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). It is the largest town in the FSM and the capital of Chuuk. It has an estimated area of 20 square kilometers.

Population

The population was 13,856 at the census taken in 2010.

Geography

It is located in the Chuuk Lagoon. Its villages are on the coast (Sapuk, Penia, Peniesene, Tunnuk, Mechitiw, Iras, Nantaku, Nepukos, Mwan, Neiwe, and Wichap, Epinup) and serve as the center of commerce. Weno is the state capital and the second-most populous island of the FSM (if the complex of Tol/Wonei, Polle and Patta is counted as one island), with a population of 13,856 at the 2010 census.[1]

The highest point is Mount Teroken, elevation 364 m (1,214 ft).[2]

Transportation

Weno has the only airport in the state, Chuuk International Airport. The road system is not well established in some parts of the island. No public transportation exists, but visitors can use a small taxi to cruise around the island.

There is one commercial shipyard for cargo ships and passenger voyages. The islanders use speed boats and smaller ships to commute with other lagoon islands and outreach islands.

Education

Tertiary

Public schools operated by the Chuuk Department of Education:

Private

Women

The Chuuk Women's Council is based on Weno, which provides support to women's rights organizations across Chuuk State, including training in health and environment issues.[3]

Tourism

Diving is the main tourist attraction on Weno, an industry which was founded in Chuuk State by Kimiuo Aisek.[4] Chuuk State's first museum, Kimiuo Aisek Memorial Museum, was founded to honor his legacy in dive industry and the preservation of Chuuk's underwater heritage.[5]

Popular culture

Weno is featured on the 10th episode of season 5 of Outback Truckers, where 2 power stations and a switchboard are shipped from Adelaide to provide all-day power for the island.[6]

Sights

In the east of Weno, the catholic church Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral is worth a visit. The church was dedicated at the end of the sixties. It is the seat of the Diocese of Caroline Islands.

Wiichen Men's Meetinghouse is a historic site with petroglyphs and a swimming basin in the east of Weno near the village Peniesene close to Wiichen River.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Pacific Data Archive . https://web.archive.org/web/20151208153244/http://www.spc.int/prism/nada/index.php/catalog. 2015-12-08. 2023-11-04.
  2. Bendure, G. & Friary, N. (1988) Micronesia:A travel survival kit. South Yarra, VIC: Lonely Planet.
  3. Web site: 2021-10-03. Chuuk Women's Council Announce New Website and Women's Interest Facility Chuuk Reform Movement. 2021-10-03. https://web.archive.org/web/20211003110031/https://chuukreform.wordpress.com/2009/06/13/chuuk-women-council/. 2021-10-03.
  4. Web site: Post. Dianne Strong Special to The Guam Daily. Internationally known, Chuukese-owned dive shop going strong past 45 years. 2021-05-14. The Guam Daily Post. 27 January 2019 . en.
  5. Web site: FSM National Government - Chuuk State Commemorates 75th Anniversary of Operation Hailstone. 2021-05-14. gov.fm.
  6. Prospero Productions. Outback Truckers. Seven Network. 5.