Pattiw


Pattiw or Western Islands is the name of the westernmost area of the State of Chuuk in the Federated States of Micronesia, consisting of the three islands or atolls of Houk, Poluwat and Pollap, with a total land area of and a population of 2,736. Pattiw is one of three areas of Chuuk's Northwestern Region, Oksoritod. Poluwat is attached to the large Uranie Bank and lies in the northwest corner of the bank, while Houk marks the southeastern point of Manila Reef.

Banks

There are more separate submerged banks in the area and further west up to 148°E, which is considered the dividing line to the State of Yap:
  • Hitchfield Bank 7°44'N 149°40'E
  • Lady Elgin Bank 6°18'N 149°28'E
  • Helene Shoal 5°32'N 149°08'E
  • Enderby Reef 7°23'N 149°07'E
  • Gray [Feather Bank] 8°00'N 148°46'E
  • Mogami Bank 8°23'N 148°45'E
  • Koyo Bank 8°26'N 148°24'E, north of Gray Feather Bank
  • Shin-matsuye Bank 7°56'N 148°21'E
  • McLaughlin Bank 9°07'N 148°06'E, with small part west of 148°E
  • Condor Bank 7°30'N 148°04'E
There are four of Chuuk's 40 municipalities in the Pattiw area. Houk and Poluwat are municipalities, while Pollap atoll is divided into the municipalities of Pollap and Tamatam. The largest municipality of Pattiw is Poluwat, with a population of 1,015.