World Factbook
Palau
Beluu er a Belau
Last updated: 2026-03-28 (today)
Flag
description: light blue with a large yellow disk to the left side meaning: blue stands for the ocean, and the disk for the moon, which is considered a symbol of peace, love, and tranquility
Capital
name
Ngerulmud
etymology
the name comes from a Palauan term meaning "place of fermented angelfish;" the site of the capital was the traditional location for women to gather and offer fermented angelfish to the gods
time difference
UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
geographic coordinates
7 30 N, 134 37 E
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Citizenship
citizenship by birth
no
citizenship by descent only
at least one parent must be a citizen of Palau
dual citizenship recognized
no
residency requirement for naturalization
note - no procedure for naturalization
Constitution
history
ratified 9 July 1980, effective 1 January 1981
amendment process
proposed by a constitutional convention (held at least once every 15 years with voter approval), by public petition of at least 25% of eligible voters, or by a resolution adopted by at least three fourths of National Congress members; passage requires approval by a majority of votes in at least three fourths of the states in the next regular general election
Country name
former
Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Palau District
etymology
from the Palauan name for the islands, Belau, which likely derives from the Palauan word beluu , meaning "village"
local long form
Beluu er a Belau
local short form
Belau
conventional long form
Republic of Palau
conventional short form
Palau
Independence
1 October 1994 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)
Legal system
mixed system of civil, common, and customary law
Government type
presidential republic in free association with the US
Judicial branch
highest court(s)
Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 3 associate justices organized into appellate trial divisions; the Supreme Court organization also includes the Common Pleas and Land Courts)
subordinate courts
National Court and other inferior courts
judge selection and term of office
justices nominated by a 7-member independent body consisting of judges, presidential appointees, and lawyers and appointed by the president; judges can serve until mandatory retirement at age 65
Executive branch
note
note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
cabinet
Cabinet appointed by the president with the advice and consent of the Senate; also includes the vice president; the Council of Chiefs consists of chiefs from each of the states who advise the president on issues concerning traditional laws, customs, and their relationship to the constitution and laws
chief of state
President Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. (since 21 January 2021)
election results
2024: Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. elected president in second round; percent of vote - Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. (independent) 57.7%, Tommy REMENGESAU (independent) 42.1%, other 0.2% 2020: Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. elected president in second round; percent of vote - Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. (independent) 56.7%, Raynold OILUCH (independent) 43.3%
head of government
President Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. (since 21 January 2021)
most recent election date
5 November 2024
election/appointment process
president and vice president directly elected on separate ballots by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term)
expected date of next election
November 2028
National holiday
Constitution Day, 9 July (1981); Independence Day, 1 October (1994)
National color(s)
blue, yellow
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites
1 (mixed)
selected World Heritage Site locales
Rock Islands Southern Lagoon
Political parties
although not expressly forbidden by law, Palau does not have political parties or coalitions
Legislative branch
legislature name
National Congress (Olbiil Era Kelulau)
legislative structure
bicameral
National anthem(s)
title
"Belau rekid" (Our Palau)
history
adopted 1980
lyrics/music
multiple/Ymesei O. EZEKIEL
National symbol(s)
bai (native meeting house)
Administrative divisions
16 states; Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Hatohobei, Kayangel, Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngarchelong, Ngardmau, Ngatpang, Ngchesar, Ngeremlengui, Ngiwal, Peleliu, Sonsorol
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name
House of Delegates
term in office
4 years
number of seats
16 (all directly elected)
electoral system
plurality/majority
scope of elections
full renewal
most recent election date
11/5/2024
expected date of next election
November 2028
percentage of women in chamber
25%
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name
Senate
term in office
4 years
number of seats
15 (all directly elected)
electoral system
plurality/majority
scope of elections
full renewal
most recent election date
11/5/2024
expected date of next election
November 2028
percentage of women in chamber
13.3%
Diplomatic representation in the US
FAX
[1] (202) 452-6281
chancery
1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20006
telephone
[1] (202) 349-8598
consulate(s)
Tamuning (Guam)
chief of mission
Ambassador Hersey KYOTA (since 12 November 1997)
email address and website
info@palauembassy.org https://www.palauembassy.org/
Diplomatic representation from the US
FAX
[680] 587-2911
embassy
Omsangel/Beklelachieb, Airai 96940
telephone
[680] 587-2920
mailing address
4260 Koror Place, Washington, DC 20521-4260
chief of mission
Ambassador Joel EHRENDREICH (since 29 September 2023)
email address and website
ConsularKoror@state.gov https://pw.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, IOC, IPU, MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO, WIPO
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt