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,[1] with a total land area of 7.17 km² (2.77 sq.mi) and a population of 2,736 (as of the census of 2000). Pattiw is one of three areas of Chuuk's Northwestern Region, Oksoritod. Poluwat is attached to the large Uranie Bank (332 km²) and lies in the northwest corner of the bank, while Houk (Pulusuk) marks the southeastern point of Manila Reef (also 332 km² in area).
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:
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 (north) and Tamatam (south). The largest municipality of Pattiw is Poluwat, with a population of 1,015 (as of 2000).