Palau Country & Tourist Information

Location
Western Pacific Ocean.

Area
458 sq km (196 sq miles), including Babeldaob Island, whose area is 409 sq km (158 sq miles).

Population
20,842 (CIA estimate 2007).

Population Density
45 per sq km.

Capital
Melekeok (replaced Koror as capital in 2006).
Population:  391 (2005).

Government
Republic since 1947. Gained self-governing status (in free association with the USA) in 1994.

Language
English and Palauan.

Religion
Roman Catholic majority.

Time
GMT + 9.

Electricity
115/230 volts AC, 60 Hz.

Head of State
President Johnson Toribiong since 2009.

Recent History
Former president Tommy Remengesau stepped down in January 2009, having served the maximum of two four-year terms.

Telephone
Country code: 680. Phonecards are available and calls can be made from most hotels in Koror.

Internet
Access and reliability is improving but limited.

Post
Post office located in Koror.

Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600, Sat 0900 to 1000.

Press
• The main newspaper is Pacific Daily News (Guam).
• The local newspaper, which appears fortnightly, is Tia Belau.
• Palau Horizon newspaper appears weekly.

Radio
• T8AA Eco Paradise is a government-run news and talk station.
• WWFM and KRFM are private stations.

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2009-December 2010 period.

2009
1 Jan New Year's Day.
15 Mar Youth Day.
5 May Senior Citizens' Day.
1 Jun President's Day. 
9 Jul Constitution Day.
7 Sep Labor Day.
1 Oct Independence Day.
24 Oct United Nations Day.
26 Nov Thanksgiving Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

2010 
1 Jan New Year's Day.
15 Mar Youth Day.
5 May Senior Citizens' Day.
1 Jun President's Day. 
9 Jul Constitution Day.
1 Sep Labor Day.
1 Oct Independence Day.
24 Oct United Nations Day.
25 Nov Thanksgiving Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

Contact Information:

Palau Visitors Authority
PO Box 256, Koror, Palau 96940
Tel: 488 2793/1930.
Website: www.visit-palau.com

Embassy of the Republic of Palau in the USA
1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20006, USA
Tel: (202) 452 6814.
Website: www.palauembassy.com


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