IDS - deaths: NA

Nationality: noun: Palauan(s) adjective: Palauan

Ethnic groups: Palauan (Micronesian with Malayan and Melanesian
admixtures) 70%, Asian (mainly Filipinos, followed by Chinese, Taiwanese,
and Vietnamese) 28%, white 2% (2000 est.)

Religions: Christian (Roman Catholics 49%, Seventh-Day Adventists,
Jehovah's Witnesses, the Assembly of God, the Liebenzell Mission, and
Latter-Day Saints), Modekngei religion (one-third of the population
observes this religion which is indigenous to Palau)

Languages: English and Palauan official in all states except Sonsoral
(Sonsorolese and English are official), Tobi (Tobi and English are
official), and Angaur (Angaur, Japanese, and English are official)

Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total
population: 92% male: 93% female: 90% (1980 est.)

Government Palau

Country name: Republic of Palau conventional short form: of the
Pacific Islands) local long form: Beluu er a Belau

Government type: constitutional government in free association with
the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 1 October 1994

Capital: Koror; note - a new capital is being built about 20 km northeast
of Koror

Administrative divisions: 16 states; Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Hatobohei,
Kayangel, Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngarchelong, Ngardmau, Ngatpang,
Ngchesar, Ngeremlengui, Ngiwal, Peleliu, Sonsoral

Independence: 1 October 1994 (from the US-administered UN Trusteeship)

National holiday: Constitution Day, 9 July (1979)

Constitution: 1 January 1981

Legal system: based on Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature,
municipal, common, and customary laws

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch: chief of state: President Tommy Esang REMENGESAU,
Jr. (since 19 January 2001) and Vice President Sandra PIERANTOZZI (since
19 January 2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and head
of government head of government: President Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr.
(since 19 January 2001) and Vice President Sandra PIERANTOZZI (since 19
January 2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and head
of government cabinet: Cabinet elections: president and vice president
elected on separate tickets by popular vote for four-year terms;
election last held 7 November 2000 (next to be held NA November 2004)
election results: Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. 53%, Peter SUGIYAMA 46%; Sandra
PIERANTOZZI elected vice presiden