Aimeliik State

Aimeliik is a state of the Republic of Palau, specifically located southwest of the island of Babeldaob, the largest in the country. It has an extension of 52 km² and a population of 270 inhabitants (in 2005). Its capital is Ulimang.

It is located a short distance from the national airport and is an area of jungles and mountains. A tourist attraction is the Bai (men's chapel). There is a fertility goddess tattooed at the entrance.

History

The territory was ruled by Spain until 1899, when it was sold to Germany. In 1919 it became a Japanese possession until the United States took control after World War II. Aimeliik is one of the oldest towns in Palau. It is best known for its terraces and its modern bai. Aimeliik is also known for Malsol's Tomb, the legendary burial place of the warrior Malsol, which is now accessible via the main road and near Aimeliik's bai. You usually go through Aimeliik on the main road to the island of Babeldaob.

Geography

Aimeliik is situated in the southwest corner of Babeldaob Island and encompasses different types of terrain, including mangroves, swamps, rolling hills, and some steep and rugged terrain. The inhabited towns in Aimeliik are (along the coast from south to north): Imul, Ngerkeai, Chelechui, Ngchemiangel and Medorm. Aimeliik's boundary to the north is the Tabcheding River, to the east the Rael Kedam (the central ridge of the island of Babeldaob), and to the southeast the boundary lies along a ridge for about a kilometer (south of the Ngerderar River). Aimeliik is also known for its terraces, which were probably built for defense and agricultural purposes. The state also contains one of the four Palauan bais, or men's meeting houses, the other three being at Koror, Airai, and Melekeok.

Aimeliik is also known for its terraces, which were probably built for defense and agricultural purposes. The state also contains one of the four Palauan bais, or men's meeting houses, the other three being at Koror, Airai, and Melekeok.

Politics and Government

The state of Aimeliik, with fewer than 350 inhabitants, has an elected chief executive, the governor. The state also has a legislature elected every four years. The population of the state elects one of the members of the House of Delegates of Palau.

Economy

Much of the trade and farming comes from Nekken. Most farms are agricultural, but attempts were also made to establish Aimeliik State's first cattle pasture, but Palau's soils, forage, and climate are unsuitable for open-grazing cattle farms.

Transportation

Most highways in the state are connected by dirt roads, excluding the recently completed compact highway that runs through the state. The main Airai-Aimeliik route is the compact highway (the Airai-Aimeliik route, which runs along the coast, was an old route from Japanese times). This can take you from the airport to Aimeliik estate.

Education

The Ministry of Education runs several public schools. Aimeliik Primary School was established in 1948.

Palau Secondary School in Koror is the only public secondary school in the country, so children from this community receive an education there.