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Palau
The Republic of Palau 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.
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 not to join the Federate States of Micronesia[?], and chose independence instead. After a long period of transition, independence was finally official in 1994.
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.
Main article: States of Palau[?]
Palau is divided into sixteen administrative regions, called states:
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 atolls of Ngeruangel[?] and Kayangel[?] are situated, while the uninhabited Rock Islands[?] (ca. 70) are situated to the west of the main island group. A remote group of six islands, known as the South-West Islands[?], some 600 km from the main islands, is also part of the country.
Palau has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and humidity.
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.
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
Much of the material in these articles comes from the CIA World Factbook 2000 and the 2003 U.S. Department of State website.
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