Palau

Palau is a small island state with a population of approximately 22,000 people. Palau has a US presidential-style of Government, with a directly elected President and a separate Congress. It is the only country in the Pacific which has a bicameral Congressional system. The House of Delegates has 16 members, representing the 16 States of Palau. Delegates are elected through a first-past-the-post electoral system. The Senate has 13 members, elected from a common roll across the entire country. Elections are held every 4 years for both Houses.

Although Palau is a matrilineal country, historically, women's representation in the national Congress has been limited. Prior to 2008, Palau had no female members of Congress. Since the 2008 elections, the Palau Congress has had two women members, elected to the Senate.