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Palau.
Palau
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.
Beluu er a Belau
No coat of arms
(In Detail)
National motto: None
Official languages English, Palauan
Capital Koror
President Tommy Remengesau
Area - Total - % waterRanked 179th 458 km² Negligible
Population
- Total (Year)
- DensityRanked 190th
19,092
42/km²
IndependenceOctober 1, 1994
Currency US Dollar
Time zone UTC + 9
National anthem Belau loba klisiich er a kelulul
Internet TLD.PW
Calling Code680
Table of contents showTocToggle("show","hide")
1 History
2 Politics
3 States
4 Geography
4.1 Climate
5 Economy
6 Demographics
7 Culture
8 Miscellaneous topics
9 Reference
10 External links
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:
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
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
Pacific Islands
Fiji | Kiribati | Marshall Islands | Federated States of Micronesia | Nauru | New Zealand | Palau | Papua New Guinea | Samoa | Solomon Islands | Tonga | Tuvalu | Vanuatu
Other political units
American Samoa | Cook Islands | Easter Island | French Polynesia | Guam | Hawaii | Papua | Midway Atoll | New Caledonia | Niue | Norfolk Island | Northern Mariana Islands | Pitcairn Islands | Tokelau | Wake Island | Wallis and Futuna
This article is adapted from from Wikipedia All Wikipedia article text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License
With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa by Eugene B. Sledge
Seven Promises Of A Promise Keeper by Jack Hayford
Lonely Planet Palau: Diving & Snorkeling (Diving & Snorkeling) by Tim Rock
NIV Starting Point Study Bible by Luis Palau
With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa (Classics of Naval Literature) by Joseph H. Alexander
Walk on water, Pete! by Luis Palau
The Devil's Anvil by James H. Hallas
Healthy Habits for Spiritual Growth: 52 Principles for Personal Change by Luis Palau
NIV Starting Point Study Bible by Luis Palau
No Fear in His Presence by David Dawson
NIV Starting Point Study Bible by Luis Palau
Learning Strategies in Nursing: Reading, Studying, and Test-Taking by Marilyn Meltzer
Words of the Lagoon: Fishing and Marine Lore in the Palau District of Micronesia by R. E. Johannes
Picasso Cubism (1907-1917) by Josep Palau I. Fabre
What to Do When You Don't Want to Go to Church by Pat Palau
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