teeship 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; administrative authority resides
in the Department of the Interior and is exercised by the Assistant
Secretary for Territorial and International Affairs through the Palau
Office, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, J. Victor HOBSON Jr.,
Director (since 16 December 1990)
Capital:
Koror
note:
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:
the last polity remaining under the US-administered UN trusteeship following
the departure of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States
of Micronesia, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas from the
trusteeship; 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)
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Elections:
President:
last held on 4 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results -
Kuniwo NAKAMURA 50.7%, Johnson TORIBIONG 49.3%
Senate:
last held 4 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results -
percent of vote by party NA; seats - (14 total); number of seats by party NA
House of Delegates:
last held 4 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results -
percent of vote by party NA; seats - (16 total); number of seats by party NA
Executive branch:
national president, national vice president

*Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (Palau), Government

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, Court of Common Pleas
Leaders:
Chief of State and Head of Government:
President Kuniwo NAKAMURA (since 1 January 1993), Vice-President Tommy E.
REMENGESAU Jr. (since 1 January 1993)
Member of: