Moving to Palau: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

21,685

Population Growth Rate

0.37%

Urban Population

84.200000

Population in Major Urban Areas

MELEKEOK (capital) 1,000

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Age Structure

19.930000

Median Age

32.900000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

11

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

7.86

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

1.72

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

32.8%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

32.8%

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.050000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

.66

Ethnic Groups

Palauan (Micronesian with Malayan and Melanesian admixtures) 70%, Asian (mainly Filipinos, followed by Chinese, Taiwanese, and Vietnamese) 28%, white 2%

Nationality Noun

Palauan(s)

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Literacy - total population

92%

Literacy - male

93%

Literacy - female

90%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

7.3%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

14.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

72.330000

Infant Mortality Rate

11.770000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

11.770000

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

1.38

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

4.8

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

10.6%

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

48.9%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

97.000000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

100.000000

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Economic Overview

The economy is dominated by tourism, fishing, and subsistence agriculture.

Government is a major employer of the work force relying on financial assistance from the US under the Compact of Free Association (Compact) with the US that took effect after the end of the UN trusteeship on 1 October 1994.

The US provided Palau with roughly $700 million in aid for the first 15 years following commencement of the Compact in 1994 in return for unrestricted access to its land and waterways for strategic purposes.

The population enjoys a per capita income roughly double that of the Philippines and much of Micronesia.

Business and leisure tourist arrivals reached a record 167,966 in 2015, a 14.4% increase over the previous year, but fell to 138,408 in 2016.

Long-run prospects for tourism have been bolstered by the expansion of air travel in the Pacific, the rising prosperity of industrial East Asia, and the willingness of foreigners to finance infrastructure development.

Proximity to Guam, the region's major destination for tourists from East Asia, and a regionally competitive tourist infrastructure enhance Palau's advantage as a destination.

Industries

tourism, craft items (from shell, wood, pearls), construction, garment making

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$14,800.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

4%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$320,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$14,800.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

4%

GDP - official exchange rate

$261,000,000 (USD)

GDP - note

GDP estimate includes US subsidy

GDP by Sector- agriculture

3.2%

GDP by Sector- Industry

20%

GDP by Sector- services

76.8%

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Inflation Rate

2.7%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

US dollar (USD)

Currency Name and Code

US Dollar (USD)

Fiscal Year

1 October - 30 September

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Labor Force

9,777

Unemployment Rate

4.2%

Major Industries

tourism, craft items (from shell, wood, pearls), construction, garment making

Agriculture Products

coconuts, copra, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

20%

Annual Budget

$114,800,000 (USD)

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-2.4%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

40.3%

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Full Country Name

Republic of Palau

Country Name

Palau

Local - Long

Beluu er a Belau

Local - Short

Belau

Former Name

Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Palau District

Etymology- history of name

from the Palauan name for the islands, Belau, which likely derives from the Palauan word "beluu" meaning "village"

Independence

1 October 1994 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)

National Holiday

Constitution Day, 9 July (1981), day of a national referendum to pass the new constitution; Independence Day, 1 October (1994)

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Government Type

presidential republic in free association with the US

Constitution

• history: ratified 9 July 1980, effective 1 January 1981
• amendments: 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; amended several times, last in 2020

Legal System:

mixed legal system of civil, common, and customary law

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President Surangel WHIPPS Jr. (since 21 January 2021); Vice President Jerrlyn Uduch Sengebau SENIOR (since 21 January 2021); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
• head of government: President Surangel WHIPPS Jr. (since 21 January 2021); Vice President Jerrlyn Uduch Sengebau SENIOR (since 21 January 2021)
• 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 of Palau
• elections/appointments: 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); election last held on 3 November 2020 (next to be held on 12 November 2024)
• election results: 2020: Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. elected president in second round; percent of vote - Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. (independent) 56.7%, Raynold OILUCH (independent) 43.3% 2016: Tommy REMENGESAU reelected president in the second round; percent of vote - Tommy REMENGESAU (independent) 51.3%, Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. (independent) 48.7%; Antonio BELLS elected vice president

Legislative Branch:

• Description: bicameral National Congress or Olbiil Era Kelulau consists of: Senate (13 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by majority vote to serve 4-year terms) House of Delegates (16 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 4-year terms)
• Elections: - Senate - last held on 3 November 2020 (next to be held in November 2024) House of Delegates - last held on 3 November 2020 (next to be held in November 2024)
• Election Results: - Senate - percent of vote - NA; seats - independent 13;
• Composition: men 12, women 1; percent of women 7.7% House of Delegates - percent of vote - NA; seats - independent 16;
• Composition: men 15, women 1; percent of women 6.3%;
• Note: overall percent of women in National Congress 6.9%

Judicial Branch:

• 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
• subordinate courts: National Court and other 'inferior' courts

Regions or States:

• Summary: 16 states
• Aimeliik
• Airai
• Angaur
• Hatohobei
• Kayangel
• Koror
• Melekeok
• Ngaraard
• Ngarchelong
• Ngardmau
• Ngatpang
• Ngchesar
• Ngeremlengui
• Ngiwal
• Peleliu
• Sonsorol

Political Parties and Leaders:

• none

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• 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

Capital Name

Ngerulmud

Capital - geographic coordinate

7 30 N, 134 37 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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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

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires James BOUGHNER (since 9 September 2022)
• Embassy: Omsangel/Beklelachieb, Airai 96940
• Mailing Address: 4260 Koror Place, Washington, DC 20521-4260
• Telephone: [680] 587-2920
• FAX: [680] 587-2911
• Email: ConsularKoror@state.gov
• Website: https://pw.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Hersey KYOTA (since 12 November 1997)
• Chancery: 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20006
• Telephone: [1] (202) 349-8598
• FAX: [1] (202) 452-6281
• Email: info@palauembassy.org
• Website: https://www.palauembassy.org/

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Geographic Location

Oceania

Geographic Coordinates

7 30 N, 134 30 E

Total Area

177 Square Miles 459 Square Kilometers

Land Area

177 Square Miles 459 Square Kilometers

Coastline

944 Miles 1,519 Kilometers

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Terrain

varying geologically from the high, mountainous main island of Babelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by large barrier reefs

Highest Point

242 Meters

Highest Point Location

Mount Ngerchelchuus 242 m

Lowest Point Location

Pacific Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources

forests, minerals (especially gold), marine products, deep-seabed minerals

Time Zone

UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

Palau has a tropical climate with annual rainfall of about 150 inches.

The climate tends to be drier during El Nino years.

Rain falls throughout the year, though January through March are usually the driest months.

Palau is outside the normal typhoon track, but from June to November a tropical storm can settle over the country and dump heavy amounts of rain for several days.

The temperature averages range from a high of 87 degrees to a low of 77 degrees year round.

Humidity is high, ranging from 86% to 91%, and non-air conditioned environments can get moldy.

Air quality is excellent and free of pollutants.

Terrain

varying geologically from the high, mountainous main island of Babelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by large barrier reefs

Location

Oceania, group of islands in the North Pacific Ocean, southeast of the Philippines

Total Area

177 Square Miles 459 Square Kilometers

Environment - Current Issues

inadequate facilities for disposal of solid waste

threats to the marine ecosystem from sand and coral dredging, illegal fishing practices, and overfishing

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

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Exports

$5,882,000 (USD)

Imports

$96,800,000 (USD)

Major Exports

shellfish, tuna, copra, garments

Major Imports

machinery and equipment, fuels, metals; foodstuffs

Top Export Partners

US, Japan, Singapore

Top Import Partners

US, Guam, Japan, Singapore, Korea

Export Partners

US, Japan, Singapore

Import Partners

US, Guam, Japan, Singapore, Korea

Country Description

The Republic of Palau is a constitutional democracy with a population of approximately 18,000 people.

Upon independence in 1994, Palau entered into a 50-year Compact of Free Association with the United States.

Palau is an archipelago consisting of several hundred volcanic and limestone islands and coral atolls, only several of which are inhabited.

Palau is politically divided into 16 states.

Palau’s developing economy depends on tourism, marine resources, and a relatively minor agricultural sector.

Taxis are the main means of public transportation.

Palau International Airport is located on Babeldaob Island, over a bridge from Koror.

There is direct commercial air service to Palau from Manila, Taipei, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, and Guam.

Safety & Security

Civil disorder is rare; however, avoid public demonstrations and/or political rallies if they occur.

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Crime

Although the crime rate in Palau is relatively low, as a foreign resident or visitor, you might be the target of petty and sometimes violent crime as well as other random acts against individuals and property.

Please stay alert for your personal safety and protect your valuables.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Palau, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own.

In Palau, it may be illegal to take pictures of certain private buildings and historical sites unless you have been granted permissions or paid the required fees.

In Palau, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

Certain sites require prior permission and/or payment of a fee prior to visiting or taking photographs.

Signs are posted at the relevant sites, and an attendant may be present to collect the fee.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Palau, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go.

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case.

To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

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Medical Facilities

Health facilities in Palau are adequate for routine medical care, but the availability and quality of services are limited.

Serious medical conditions requiring hospitalizations or evacuation to the United States or elsewhere may cost tens of thousands of dollars.

The Belau National Hospital will accept payment by cash, credit or debit card, while private clinics may require cash payment.

Please be advised that Palau has occassional outbreaks of Dengue Fever.

Traffic Safety

While in Palau, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

Palau accepts a driver's license issued by a U.S. state or military authority for up to 30 days.

After 30 days in Palau, you must obtain a Palauan driver’s license.

Many roads in Koror, where the vast majority of the population lives, are in fair condition but have no sidewalks and little or no shoulder on the side of the road. . .

In addition, for the most part, the roadway known as the “Compact Road” that loops around the large island of Babeldaob is in fairly good condition.

Although small sections of the road have deteriorated, repairs are expected to be completed later in 2013.

Secondary roads connecting villages to the Compact Road vary in quality from good to rough.

The national speed limit is 25 miles per hour, but drivers routinely ignore this limit in remote areas on good-quality roads, and traffic often moves slower in congested areas.

Passing slow-moving vehicles is illegal, but some drivers occasionally do this.

Drunken drivers are a late-night hazard in Palau.

Airports - total

3

Airports with Paved Runways

1

Ports and Terminals

Koror

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Telephones

7,100

Cell Phones

1,000

Internet Country Code

.pw

Internet Hosts

3

Broadcast Media

• no TV stations
• a cable TV network covers the major islands and provides access to rebroadcasts, on a delayed basis, of a number of US stations as well as access to a number of real-time satellite TV channels
• about a half dozen radio stations with 1 government-owned

Telephone System

• domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular services available with a combined subscribership of roughly 100 per 100 persons
• international: country code - 680; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

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Anthem History

Composed by Ymesei O. Ezekiel

Anthem Lyrics

BELAU REKID BELAU LOBA KLISIICH, ER A KELULUL EL DI MLA NGARNGII RA, RECHUODEL MEI ME NG MENGELUOLU ER A, CHIMOL BELUU EL NGAR EUNGEL A RIRCH LOMEKESANG BO DOLEKETEK A KERRUUL, ERA BELUAD LOLAB A BLAK EL RENG, MA DUCH EL RENG BELAU A CHOTIL A, KLENGAR REKID ME BO DORRURT A BEDUL MSA KLISICHEL BO DEKAIUEREKED CHIM, LOKIU A RENG E DONGEDMOKL RA, DI MLA KOTED LOMECHELIU A RENGEDEL, MA KLEBKELLE LOKIU A BUDECH MA BELTIK EL RENG DIOS MOMEKNGELTENGAT, RA BELULAM EL DI MLA DIKESAM RA, RECHUODEL MEI BESKEMAM A KLISICHAM, MA LLEMELTAM LORRURT A KLUNGIOLAM EL MO CHERECHAR OUR PALAU

Anthem Lyrics English

Palau is coming forth with strength and power By her old ways abides still every hour One country, safe, secure, one government Under the glowing floating soft light stands Lets build our economys protecting fence With courage, faithfulness and diligence Our life is anchored in Palau, our land We with our might through life and death defend In spirit lets join hands, united, one Care for our homeland..from forefathers on Look after its concord, its glory keep Through peace and love and hearts devotion deep God bless our country, our island home always Our sweet inheritance from ancient days Give us the strength and power and all the rights To govern with to all eternity