Namoneas (Chuukese: Nómwoneyas), also Nomoneas, is an island region in Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). It consists of the 10 major islands and islets in the eastern half of Chuuk Lagoon, as well as many smaller islets and reefs in their vicinity. The islands cover a total land area of about 47.09 square kilometers (18.18sqmi) and had a combined population of 24,853 at the 2010 census.
Etymology
Namoneas translates to "upper or eastern archipelago." It is derived from the root words nómwo, referring to an enclosed body of water, and aas, meaning "upper part" or "eastern side." The stem ne- between the roots refers to place or location.
Islands
The major islands and islets of Namoneas are listed below, organized by subregion. All except Totiw are inhabited.
The two major subdivisions of Namoneas form the Northern and Southern Namoneas electoral districts. They are two of five electoral districts in Chuuk State and two of 10 in the greater FSM. Similar to the other districts, Northern and Southern Namoneas each elect a senator every two years to serve in the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia.
Namoneas is further broken down into representative districts based on population and geographical configuration:
Representative District 1 – Consists of the Northern Namoneas islands (Piis-Paneu, Fono, and Weno).
Representative District 2 – Consists of Tonoas and Etten.
Representative District 3 – Consists of Fefen, Parem, Siis, and Totiw.
Representative District 4 – Consists of Uman.
Representative District 1 is by far the largest district in Namoneas and is allotted five members in the Chuuk State House of Representatives. Representative Districts 2 and 4 are both allotted two members, while Representative District 3 is allotted three members.
Notes
↑This is the indigenous name for the hill given by Goodenough and Bryan; they also suggest Mt. Uinku, while the USGS map labels it as Unimas
↑Known locally as Mt. Iron or Irow/Irou, although this is considered taboo
Chuuk State
