Olekoi Palau | General Information

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BELAU

FORUM

The Republic of Palau is in located in the western most part of Micronesia. It consists of approximately 300 islands, of which only nine are inhabited. It's islands are scattered across the pristine blue waters of the Pacific. Our marine life is some of the most diverse in the entire world due to the convergence of three major currents in our area. Palau is one of the largest islands in Micronesia, second only to Guam. Although it is volcanic in origin, legend has it that the mythical giant Uab created Palau.

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HEAD OF GOVERNMENT:	President Tommy Esang Remengesau, Jr.
FORM OF GOVERNMENT:	Bicameral Parliament or Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) consisting of the Senate (9 seats), House of Delegates (16 seats) and the Council of Chiefs; Palau is an independent nation in free association with the United States;
CAPITAL:	Melekeok (previously Koror)
POPULATION:	20,600 (2004)
LAND AREA:	458 square kilometers
MAP COORDINATES:	7° 30' North Latitude 133° 30' East Longitude
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES:	Palauan, English
CURRENCY:	U.S. Dollar (USD)
LOCAL TIME:	Click Here
LOCAL CLIMATE:	Palau enjoys a pleasantly warm climate all year round with an annual mean temperature of 82° F (27° C). Rainfall can occur throughout the year, and the annual average is 150 inches. The average relative humidity is 82%, and although rain falls more frequently between July and October, there is still much sunshine. Typhoons are rare as Palau is located outside the typhoon zone. Current weather conditions are available through NOAA's hourly updated satellite image of Micronesia.

The capital of Palau is located in the State of Melekeok on the island of Babeldaob. Relocated in 2006, Melekeok is the home of Palau's national government where a new complex has been built. In Palau's past history, Koror became the center of trade and commerce because of its excellent harbors. Today, most of the retail shops, hotels, restaurants and other tourist services are located in Koror. The Compact Road encircles the island of Babeldaob connecting all its northern states to Koror.

Babeldaob, the largest island in Palau, as well as the second largest in Micronesia, is divided up into ten villages/states: Aimeliik, Ngatpang, Ngaremlengui, Ngardmau, Ngarchelong, Ngaraard, Ngiwal, Melekeok, Ngchesar, and Airai. Palau International Airport is located in Airai, just minutes from downtown Koror.

North of Babeldaob is Kayangel atoll, the most northern land mass in Palau.

To the south lie The Rock Islands, Peleliu and Angaur. Followed by the Southwest Islands of Tobi, Pulo Anna, and Sonsorol, the most southern land masses in Palau.