N-observed plebiscites; until the UN trusteeship is
terminated with entry into force of the Compact, Palau remains under US
administration as the Palau District of the Trust Territory of the Pacific
Islands
Capital:
Koror; a new capital is being built about 20 km northeast in eastern
Babelthuap
Administrative divisions:
there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US
Government, but there are 16 states; Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Kayangel,
Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngardmau, Ngaremlengui, Ngatpang, Ngchesar,
Ngerchelong, Ngiwal, Peleliu, Sonsorol, Tobi
Independence:
still part of the US-administered UN trusteeship (the last polity remaining
under the trusteeship; the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated
States of Micronesia, and Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas have left);
administered by the Office of Territorial and International Affairs, US
Department of Interior
Constitution:
1 January 1981
Legal system:
based on Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common,
and customary laws
National holiday:
Constitution Day, 9 July (1979)
Executive branch:
US president, US vice president, national president, national vice president
Legislative branch:
bicameral Parliament (Olbiil Era Kelulau or OEK) consists of an upper house
or Senate and a lower house or House of Delegates
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court, National Court, and Court of Common Pleas
Leaders:
Chief of State:
President George BUSH (since 20 January 1989); represented by the Assistant
Secretary for Territorial Affairs, US Department of the Interior, Stella
GUERRA (since 21 July 1989) and J. Victor HOBSON Jr., Director (since 16
December 1990)
Head of Government:
President Ngiratkel ETPISON (since 2 November 1988), Vice-President Kuniwo
NAKAMURA (since 2 November 1988)
Suffrage:
universal at age 18
Elections:
House of Delegates:
last held 2 November 1988 (next to be held NA November 1992); results -
percent of vote NA; seats - (16 total); number of seats by party NA
President:
last held on 2 November 1988 (next to be held NA November 1992); results -
Ngiratkel ETPISON 26.3%, Roman TMETUCHL 25.9%, Thomas REMENGESAU 19.5%,
other 28.3%

:Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the Government

Senate:
last held 2 November 1988 (next to be held NA November 19