Palau

Republic Palau (Republic of Palau), the state in the western part of Pacific ocean, occupies the Western Carolines. A state total area 497  sq. km, from them 367  sq. km occupies island Babeltuan. The population of islands compounds 16  thousand persons (1994), mainly belau (palau). The Official language - English and belau (palau). The majority of believers - roman catholics and protenstants. The capital Palau - Koror places on island Koror.

Palau has the status of freely affiliated state to the USA. The Head of the state and an executive power - the president selected the population on term in four years. A republic legislature - the two-chamber National congress consisting of the senate (14 members) and chambers of delegates (14 members).

The Western Carolines consist from 8 concerning large islands of a vulcanic and coral parentage and more than 200 small. A climate on archipelago equatorial, monthly average temperatures 24-28  °s. Deposits falls out from above 3000  mm a year. The bulk of islands is covered by evergreen tropical woods.

Carolines have been open in 1528 Spanish seafarer A de Saavedra and have been named in honour of Spanish king Charles Vtorogo. From the seventeenth century Carolines were a part of the Spanish colonial empire. In 1898 Spain has sold islands to Germany. In 1914 they were captureed by Japan, and in 1945 on islands there were American troops. In a postwar period Carolines were under control of the USA. In November, 1993 the referendum to Palau has countenanced the status of freely affiliated state to the USA. On October, 1st, 1994 independence of Palau has been intoned.

The Basis of economy of Palau - fishery, cultivation of coconuts, a batatas, kasavy. The population breeds large horned stock, pigs, goats, is engaged in art handcrafts. The electric power is effected by power station power 16  thousand in kw. There is a regular marine report between islands of Micronesia and Sydney ( Australia ), an air communication with Guam. The great value for Palau has foreign tourism. In the capacity of monetary unit the US dollar is used.