Palau

Palau, Republic of Palau - an island self-government, associated with the United States, located in the Pacific Ocean, Oceania and Micronesia, approx. 1160 km south of Guam, approx. 800 km east of the Philippines and 3200 km south of Tokyo. It includes the western part of the Karolin archipelago and 4 individual coral islands (Sonsorol, Merir, Pulo Anna and Tobi) and the Helen atoll (a total of more than 250 islands).

History
The islands were discovered in 1543 by Ruy López de Villalobos. From the end of the 17th century to 1899, as part of the Karolinów, they were a Spanish estate, and then they were sold to the Germans, which started mining bauxite (aluminum ore) and other resources on the islands.

Koror during the Japanese administration
In 1914, the islands were taken over by the Japanese [3]. Six years later, the Japanese administration was introduced on behalf of the League of Nations. During World War II in 1944, the islands were occupied by the United States [4] after the Battle of Peleliu.
After the war, in 1947-1994, the UN trust territory under the administration of the United States (until 1990 as part of the Trust Islands of the Pacific).

In 1978 Palau became a separate state and adopted the name Belau (after the administrative division of the US Pacific Islands). In 1979, the people of Palau rejected the offer to join the Federated States of Micronesia. In 1981, the state adopted the Palau constitution. In the same year, the internal autonomy of the country was also introduced. In 1982, the state authorities concluded a free association agreement with the United States. It was ratified in 1993.
On October 1, 1994, Palau gained independence as an associated country with the United States. The state maintains economic ties with the US, Japan and Taiwan (financial assistance). On December 15, 1994, she became a member of the United Nations and several other international organizations

Political system
Building of the National Congress in Ngerulmud
Palau is a republic. The constitution was adopted in 1980 and became effective from January 1, 1981. Foreign and defense policy is subject to the USA. The head of state and the head of government is the president, elected for a 4-year term in the general election. Legislative power belongs to the bicameral National Congress (House of Representatives and Senate), elected by universal suffrage. The executive branch belongs to the government, appointed by the president.

Geography
Main article: Palau Geography.
Palau covers more than 250 islands (the largest - Babeldaob, Koror) wenge part of the Carolina archipelago, surrounded by a wide reef. There are karst lakes with seawater and caves. The highest publisher is Ngerchelchauus, which is 242 m above sea level. The climate of the islands to the equatorial climate is remarkably moist: the average monthly temperature in the connection is approx. 28 ° C, annual rain 3800 mm. Lush vegetation; iron tree, pandanus, coconut palm groves. Palau has a rich fauna, there are over 1,400 species of fish, 700 corals, and there are also saltwater crocodiles.

An administrative division
Since 1984, Palau has been divided into 16 states:
Aimeliik
Airai
Angaur
Hatohobei
Kayangel
Koror
melekeok
Ngaraard
Ngarchelong
Ngardmau
Ngaremlengui
Ngatpang
Ngchesar
Ngiwal