Status: Free
Legal Environment: 1
Political Influences: 4
Economic Pressures: 8
Total Score: 13

Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 70
Religious Groups: Roman Catholic (49 percent), other [including Protestant and indigenous beliefs] (51 percent)
Ethnic Groups: Paluan (70 percent), Asian (28 percent), white (2 percent)
Capital: Koror

The government respects the constitutionally protected rights of free speech and press. There are three independent weekly newspapers and two independent radio stations in addition to the government gazette and national radio. The independent print press has reported on several instances of corruption this year without incident. Residents have unfettered access to cable television and the Internet. During the November general election, a Koror state law banning campaigning in print or broadcast media was suspended, allowing the press greater leeway in reporting on campaign issues.

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