Type of government: constitutional government in free association
with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 1
October 1994
Capital: Koror
note: a new capital is being built about 20 km northeast in eastern
Babelthuap
Administrative divisions: there are no first-order administrative
divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 16 states:
Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Kayangel, Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard,
Ngardmau, Ngaremlengui, Ngatpang, Ngchesar, Ngerchelong, Ngiwal,
Peleliu, Sonsorol, Tobi
Independence: 1 October 1994 (from the US-administered UN
Trusteeship)
National holiday: Constitution Day, 9 July (1979)
Constitution: 1 January 1981
Legal system: based on Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government: President Kuniwo NAKAMURA
(since 1 January 1993) and Vice President Tommy E. REMENGESAU Jr.
(since 1 January 1993) were elected for four-year terms by popular
vote; election last held 4 November 1992 (next to be held NA
November 1996); results - Kuniwo NAKAMURA 50.7%, Johnson TORIBIONG
49.3%
cabinet: Cabinet
Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament (Olbiil Era Kelulau or
OEK)
Senate: elections last held 4 November 1992 (next to be held NA
November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (14
total) number of seats by party NA
House of Delegates: elections last held 4 November 1992 (next to be
held NA November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats
- (16 total) number of seats by party NA