Polynesia The two Samoas (2024). Formerly known as Western Samoa, independent Samoa exists alongside the much smaller American Samoa, a U.S. territory, across the International Dateline. Virtually all Samoans share a Polynesian ethnicity and cultural heritage, and are staunchly Christian. Sunday observance is often quite strict.

Micronesia Island-hopping (1998-2000) to Pohnpei (Federated States of Micronesia), Kiribati and Nauru. Tiny airlines like Air Nauru leapfrog the island stepping stones of this vast expanse of blue water north of New Guinea. Stop over to explore a lost city, meet a school of manta rays or just transit an international terminal where even the officials go barefoot.

The Micronesian people blend Polynesian and Philippine strains and their lush tropical islands are gathered loosely into the Mariana, Caroline, Gilbert and Marshall archipelagos. Here are some of the world’s smallest and newest nations - their gross national products are minimal but their ‘gross national happiness’ puts ours to shame.

Original images from Micronesia were 35mm Fujichrome or Ektachrome transparencies. Hi-res. scans are available for licensing.