Yapese

Yapese refers to the people and the language of Yap Island, one of the Caroline Islands in the western Pacific Ocean. Yap is a state in the Federated States of Micronesia, located in the northwestern region of the group. The Yapese form the historic and contemporary population of the island and its nearby atolls.

The Yapese language is an Austronesian language spoken by the Yapese people. It has several dialects within Yap and is distinct from neighboring languages such as Chuukese and Palauan. English is commonly used in education, administration, and commerce.

Culturally, Yap is known for its rai, large stone money used in ceremonies and dowries, as well as for traditional navigation and dances. The economy combines subsistence farming, fishing, and increasingly tourism, with visitors drawn to the island's reefs, canoes, and cultural heritage.

Historically, Yap was explored by Europeans in the 16th century and subsequently came under German and Japanese administration before becoming part of the U.S.-led Trust Territory after World War II. It joined the Federated States of Micronesia at its founding in 1986.

Today, Yapese communities maintain distinctive cultural practices while participating in modern institutions. The island's relatively small population and remote location contribute to its unique linguistic and cultural profile within Micronesia.