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- Government
- President Johnson Toribiong
- Vice President Kerai Mariur
- Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) – Senate & House of Representatives
- Council Of Chiefs
- Democratic independent nation in free association with
the United States.
- Capital
- Koror – Palau will be shifting its capital city to Melekeok State by the end of 2005.
- Location
- 7° 30' North Latitude 133° 30' East Longitude
- Visa Information
- Visitors will receive a temporary visa by filling out a visa
application prior to arriving at Koror/Airai International Airport.
- Currency
- Official Languages
- Population
- Travel Distances
- Honolulu 4,500 miles
- California 7,000 miles
- Australia 2,500 miles
- Japan 2,500 miles
- Philippines 550 miles
- Papua New Guinea 410 miles
- International & Regional Air Service
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Local
Climate
- Palau enjoys a pleasantly warm climate all year round with an annual
mean temperature of 82° F (27° C). Rainfall can occur throughout
the year, and the annual average is 150 inches. The average
relative humidity is 82%, and although rain falls more frequently
between July and October, there is still much sunshine. Typhoons
are rare as Palau is located outside the typhoon zone. Current
weather conditions are available below as well as through
NOAA's
hourly updated satellite image of Micronesia.
- Customs, Immigration & Health Requirements
- One bottle of liquor
and up to 200 cigarettes can be brought into Palau duty-free.
Importation of controlled substances and weapons is strictly prohibited.
Proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate) by U.S. citizens is
required. Visas are not required. Non-U.S. citizens must have a
valid passport. All visitors must have return travel arrangements or
approval by the Chief of Immigration for an extended stay. The fee is
$100.00 (U.S. Dollars). Cholera and Yellow Fever immunizations are
required for those arriving from infected areas.
- What To Wear
- Island style prevails. Cool, loose-fitting
clothing is acceptable in most places. Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen
are highly recommended. Visitors are strongly advised to respect local
customs by not wearing swimsuits, short-shorts, or other inappropriate
clothing in town, villages or public places.
- Services
- This democratic country is very stable and provides a safe and clean
environment for visitors. Visitor services include hotels, banks,
land/dive tour operators, and car rental agencies that are ready to
assist you with your needs. There are a wide variety of
restaurants that serve international and local cuisine, as well as
several night clubs. Many Palauans have a good working knowledge
of the Japanese language due to the long-term presence of the Japanese in the islands during
the first half of this century. The local currency is based on the
U.S. dollar and many establishments accept major credit cards from the U.S.
and Japan.
- Activities Possible
- Visiting the Rock Islands
- Snorkeling
- Jellyfish Lake
- Sea Kayaking
- Sport Fishing
- Sailing
- Parasailing
- Other Water Sports
- Legal Holidays
- January 1st – New Year's Day
- March 15th – Youth Day
- May 5th – Senior Citizens Day
- June 1st – President's Day
- July 9th – Constitution Day
- 1st Monday in September – Labor Day
- October 1st – Independence Day
- October 24 – United Nations Day
- Last Thursday in November – Thanksgiving Day
- December 25th – Christmas Day
- Tourist Information Links
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Travel Information