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The Republic of Palau (also spelled Belau) is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, located some 500 km east of the Philippines. Having gained independence in 1994, it is one of the world's
youngest and least populated nations.
History
Main article: History of Palau
The first inhabitants of Palau, probably from Indonesia, settled on the
islands as early as 1000 BC. Spanish explorer
Ruy Lopez de Villalobos first sighted the islands in
1543, but attempts to settle on or trade with the islands weren't started until the
18th century, by the British. Spain
colonized the islands in the late 19th century, but sold it to Germany in 1899. Japan seized the islands at the start of World War I, and gained
a mandate over them until the end of the Second World War, when the
islands came under control of the United States as a Trust Territory. The
Palauans voted in 1979 not to join the Federated States of Micronesia, and chose independence instead. After a long period of
transition, including the violent deaths of two presidents (Haruo Remeliik in 1985 by assassination and Lazarus Salii in 1988 by suicide) independence was finally official in 1994.
Politics
Main article: Politics of Palau
The president of Palau, who is both head of state and head of government, is elected by the Palauans every four years. The
government he heads consists of a bicameral parliament, known as the Olbiil Era Kelulau. The members of both chambers
are chosen by the people; 9 are part of the Senate, and 16 of the House of Delegates. The current president is Tommy Remengesau. He was elected in 2000 and took office in 2001. He had previously served as vice president.
States
Main article: States of Palau
Palau is divided into sixteen administrative regions, called states:
- Aimeliik
- Airai
- Angaur
- Hatobohei
- Kayangel
- Koror
- Melekeok
- Ngaraard
- Ngarchelong
- Ngardmau
- Ngatpang
- Ngchesar
- Ngeremlengui
- Ngiwal
- Peleliu
- Sonsoral
Geography
Main article: Geography of Palau
Palau's most important islands are Angaur, Babeldaob , Koror, Peleliu,
which lie together near the same barrier reef. About two thirds of the population lives on
Koror. North of these islands, the coral atoll of
Kayangel is situated, while the
uninhabited Rock Islands (Palau) (ca. 70) are situated
to the west of the main island group. A remote group of six islands, known as the Southwest Islands, some 600 km from the main islands, is also part of the country.
Climate
Palau enjoys a tropical climate all year round with an annual mean temperature of
82° degrees F. (27° C.). Rainfall can occur throughout the year, the annual average is 150 inches. The average humidity is 82%, and although rain falls more frequently between July and October, there is still
much sunshine. Typhoons are rare as Palau is outside the typhoon zone.
Economy
Main article: Economy of Palau
The economy consists primarily of tourism, subsistence agriculture and fishing. The government is the major employer
of the work force, relying heavily on financial assistance from the US. Business and tourist arrivals numbered 50,000 in FY00/01.
The population enjoys a per capita income twice that of the Philippines and much of Micronesia. Long-run prospects for the key tourist sector have been greatly bolstered by the expansion of air
travel in the Pacific, the rising prosperity of leading East Asian countries, and the willingness of foreigners to finance
infrastructure development.
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of Palau
The major ethnic group (70%) among the 19,000 Palauans are the native Palauans, mostly Micronesians. Asians, mostly from the
Philippines, form a large minority, and there are some Europeans as well. About two thirds of the population are Christians,
mostly Catholics, while the rest practices the local Modekngei
religion.
The official languages of Palau are English and Palauan, except for three states where the local language is official
instead of Palauan. In Angaur, Japanese is also official.
Culture
Main article: Culture
of Palau
Miscellaneous topics
- Communications in Palau
- Transportation in Palau
- Military of Palau
- Foreign relations of Palau
- Public holidays in Palau
Reference
Much of the material in these articles comes from the CIA
World Factbook 2000 and the 2003 U.S. Department of State website.
External links
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