Palau Travel Guide

Palau — Island and Tourist Information

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Island Facts

Location: Western Pacific Ocean.
Language: English and Palauan.
Area: 458 sq km (196 sq miles), including Babeldaob Island, whose area is 409 sq km (158 sq miles).
Time Zone: GMT + 9.
Electricity: 115/230 volts AC, 60 Hz.
Population: 20,842 (CIA estimate 2007).
Population Density: 45 per sq km.
Capital City: 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.
Head of State: President Johnson Toribiong since 2009.
Religion: Roman Catholic majority.

Recent History

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

Communications

Telephone

Country Code: . 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.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.

Public Holidays

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

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