(or Ponape, formerly Ascension), largest volcanic island in Caroline Islands, located in western Pacific Ocean; member of Federated States of Micronesia; 129 square miles (334 square kilometers) in area; called “garden of Micronesia” because of lush tropical foliage; surrounded by barrier reef; has coastal mangrove swamps and inland rain forest; lagoon on east coast is site of Nan Madol, 92 prehistoric, artificial platform islands surrounded by canals with ruins of town of 2nd millennium AD; missionaries established schools in 19th century; main villages Kolonia, Metalanim, and Ronkiti; products include breadfruit, tilapia, rice, pigs, and poultry; pop. (1985 est.) 22,081.