BELAU
— Officially: Beluu er a Belau; Republic of Belau.
— English: Palau.
— Seat of government: Ngerulmud.
— Status: Democratic.
— Structure: The president is elected directly. The legislature (Olbiil era Kelulau / National Congress) comprises the House of Delegates, elected in geographical constituencies, and the Senate, elected in multi-member geographical constituencies.
— Head of government: Tommy Remengesau, president (since 2013).
— Recent history: Elections are organized around personalities rather than standing parties. Remengesau previously served as president from 2001 to 2009. Johnson Toribiong was elected in 2008 to succeed Remengesau, defeating Elias Camsek Chin in a runoff, but lost to Remengesau in 2012.
— FH: 1-1, free.
— Updated: 2015 April 24.
O.T. FORD