Republic of Palau
The Republic of Palau, the westernmost jurisdiction in Micronesia less than 500 miles east of the Philippines, consists of a few coral atolls and several hundred volcanic islands, nine of which are inhabited. With a land area of 188 square miles, it has 20,579 people (est. 2006). A former United Nations Trust Territory, the Republic of Palau began a Compact of Free Association with the U.S. in October 1994. Its economy is based primarily on tourism.
Culture
Palauan culture is complex with many regulations and taboos that one must follow in order to prosper. Reciprocity is a given within the culture, as people support each other.
Language
The Republic of Palau has two official languages: Palauan and English. Palauan is spoken by a majority of the population and is used daily within some governmental arenas, as well as in the schools, community, and home. English is usually spoken in business and governmental affairs. Useful greetings are provided with English translations and phonetic pronunciations on Language Cards.
Education
The present school system in Palau follows that of the American system from grades K–12. Education, by law, is mandatory until the age of 16 or graduation from high school. Palauan and English are taught in the schools, with English gradually becoming the instructional language in high school. Palau has 18 public elementary schools, 1 public high school, 2 private elementary schools, 5 private high schools, and 1 community college. Palau has 19 public schools with an enrollment of 2,914 students.
PREL Service Center
P.O. Box 189
Koror, PW 96940
Phone: (680) 488-8130
Fax: (680) 488-8131
Email: palausc@prel.org
Republic of Palau Ministry of Education
Mr. Mario Katosang, Minister of Education
P.O. Box 189
Koror, PW 96940
Phone: (680) 767-1464
Fax: (680) 767-1465
www.palaumoe.net
Institutions of Higher Education
Palau Community College
Dr. Patrick U. Tellei, President
Palau Community College
P.O. Box 9
Koror, Palau 96940
Phone: (680) 488-1669
Fax: (680) 488-2447
Email: tellei@palau.edu
Government
Airline Service
Contact PREL
Pacific Resources for Education and Learning
Phone:
(808) 441-1300
U.S. Toll-free Phone:
(800) 377-4773
AskPREL
Phone:
(808) 441-1300
U.S. Toll-free Phone:
(800) 377-4773
AskPREL
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