Final answer:
Micronesia is a region north of the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, consisting of over 2,000 small, mostly coral islands with some volcanic high islands like Guam. Independent countries include the Federated States of Micronesia and Kiribati, while other islands like Guam are US territories.
Step-by-step explanation:
The region referred to in the question is Micronesia, which is situated north of the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Micronesia comprises more than 2,000 small islands, the majority of which are coral islands that are limited in their elevation above sea level. This region includes several independent countries such as the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, and the Marshall Islands, as well as territories controlled by the United States like Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Wake Island.
Kiribati is unique as it encompasses island chains in both Micronesia and Polynesia, with the Gilbert Islands forming the largest part and location of its capital city. In contrast, the high islands are predominantly volcanic and have higher elevations, such as the island of Guam, which is the largest in Micronesia and a strategic US territory. The Northern Mariana Islands and Wake Island are also US possessions, whereas the Federated States of Micronesia have established an independent status through the Compact of Free Association with the United States.