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Coordinates:7°30′N134°30′E/ 7.500°N 134.500°E/7.500; 134.500
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This article is about the country. For other uses, seePalau (disambiguation).
Not to be confused withPaelau,Palau-de-Cerdagne,orPalau-del-Vidre.
"Belau" redirects here. For the municipality in Germany, seeBelau, Schleswig-Holstein.

Republic of Palau
Beluu er a Belau(Palauan)
Anthem:Belau rekid
"Our Palau"
Location of Palau
Location of Palau
CapitalNgerulmud
7°30′N134°37′E/ 7.500°N 134.617°E/7.500; 134.617
Largest cityKoror
7°20′N134°29′E/ 7.333°N 134.483°E/7.333; 134.483
Official languages
Recognized regional languages
Ethnic groups
(2020 census[1])
Religion
(2020 census)[1]
Demonym(s)Palauan
GovernmentUnitarypresidential republicunder anon-partisan democracy
Surangel Whipps Jr.
Uduch Sengebau Senior
LegislaturePalau National Congress
•Upper house
Senate
•Lower house
House of Delegates
Independence
from theUnited States
18 July 1947
• Constitution
2 April 1979
• Establishment of the Republic of Palau
1 January 1981
1 October 1994
Area
• Total
459 km2(177 sq mi) (180th)
• Water (%)
negligible
Population
• 2021 estimate
18,024[2][3](192nd)
• 2021[4]census
16,766
• Density
38.375/km2(99.4/sq mi)
GDP(PPP)2024 estimate
• Total
Increase$308 million[5]
• Per capita
Increase$18,209[5](81st)
GDP(nominal)2024 estimate
• Total
Increase$322 million[5]
• Per capita
Increase$17,448[5]
HDI(2022)Decrease0.797[6]
high(71st)
CurrencyUnited States dollar(USD)
Time zoneUTC+9(PWT)
• Summer (DST)
not observed
Date formatDD-MM-YYYY
Driving sideright
Calling code+680
ISO 3166 codePW
Internet TLD.pw
Website
PalauGov.pw
  1. GDP estimate includes US subsidy (2004 estimate).

Palau,[a]officially theRepublic of Palau,[b][7]is anisland countryin theMicronesiasubregion ofOceaniain the western Pacific. The republic consists of approximately 340 islands and connects the western chain of theCaroline Islandswith parts of theFederated States of Micronesia.It has a total area of 466 square kilometers (180 sq mi), making it one of thesmallest countries in the world.[8]The most populous island isKoror,home to the country's most populous city ofthe same name.The capitalNgerulmudis located on the largest island ofBabeldaob,inMelekeok State.Palau sharesmaritime boundarieswithinternational watersto the north, the Federated States of Micronesia to the east,Indonesiato the south, and thePhilippinesto the northwest.

The country was originally settled approximately 3,000 years ago by migrants fromMaritime Southeast Asia.[9][10]Palau was first drawn on a European map by the Bohemian missionaryPaul Klein[11]based on a description given by a group ofPalauansshipwrecked on the Philippine coast onSamar.Palau islands were made part of theSpanish East Indiesin 1885. Following Spain's defeat in theSpanish–American Warin 1898, the islands were sold toGermanyin 1899 under the terms of theGerman–Spanish Treaty,where they were administered as part ofGerman New Guinea.AfterWorld War I,the islands were made a part of the Japanese-ruledSouth Seas Mandateby theLeague of Nations.DuringWorld War II,skirmishes including the majorBattle of Peleliuwere fought between American and Japanese troops as part of theMariana and Palau Islands campaign.Along with otherPacific Islands,Palau was made a part of the United States-governedTrust Territory of the Pacific Islandsin 1947. Having voted ina referendumagainst joining the Federated States of Micronesia in 1978,[12][13]the islands gained fullsovereigntyin 1994 under aCompact of Free Associationwith the United States.

Politically, Palau is apresidentialrepublic infree associationwith the United States, which provides defense, funding, and access to social services. Legislative power is concentrated in thebicameralPalau National Congress.Palau's economyis based mainly on tourism,subsistence agricultureand fishing, with a significant portion of gross national product (GNP) derived from foreign aid. The country uses the United States dollar as its official currency. The islands' culture mixes Micronesian,Melanesian,Asian, and Western elements. Ethnic Palauans, the majority of the population, are of mixedMicronesian,Melanesian,andAustronesiandescent. A smaller proportion of the population is of Japanese descent. The country's twoofficial languagesarePalauan(a member of theAustronesianlanguage family) and English, with Japanese,Sonsorolese,andTobianrecognized asregional languages.

Etymology[edit]

The name for the islands in thePalauan language,Belau,derives from the Palauan word for "village",beluu(thus ultimately fromProto-Austronesian*banua),[14]or fromaibebelau( "indirect replies" ), relating to acreation myth.[15]The name "Palau" originated in the SpanishLos Palaos,eventually entering English via the GermanPalau.An archaic name for the islands in English was the "Pelew Islands".[16]Palauis unrelated toPulau,which is aMalayword meaning "island" found in numerous place names in the region.

History[edit]

Main article:History of Palau
Palau History Timeline

Bourbon Spain(Spanish East Indies) 1710–1785
Kingdom of Spain(Spanish East Indies) 1785–1808
Napoleonic Spain(Spanish East Indies) 1808–1813
Kingdom of Spain(Spanish East Indies) 1813–1873
First Spanish Republic(Spanish East Indies) 1873–1874
Kingdom of Spain(Spanish East Indies) 1873–1899
German New Guinea Company1885–1899
First Philippine RepublicJanuary 23–February 12, 1899
German Empire(German New Guinea) 1899–1914
Empire of Japan(South Seas Mandate) 1914–1944
United States1944–1962
United Nations(Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands) 1947–1965
United Nations (Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands) 1965–1979
Federated States of Micronesia1979–1981
Palau 1981–present

Early history[edit]

Manila galleonin theMarianasandCarolinas,c. 1590Boxer Codex

Palau was originally settled between the 3rd and 2nd millennia BCE, most likely from the Philippines or Indonesia.[17]Sonsorolwas sighted by theSpanishas early as 1522, when theSpanish missionof theTrinidad,the flagship ofFerdinand Magellan's voyage of circumnavigation, sighted two small islands around the5th parallel north,naming them "San Juan".[18]

In December 1696, a group of sailors from theCaroline Islandswere stranded onSamar,nearGuiuan,when they met European missionaryPaul Klein.Using pebbles, the sailors attempted to show Klein the approximate location and size of the islands. He used this information to produce the first European map of the Palau area. Klein sent the map toJesuit Superior General,along with a letter detailing the names of the islands, the culture of the people, and his experiences with them.[19]

Spanish era[edit]

Main articles:New Spain,Captaincy General of the Philippines,andSpanish East Indies
An 1888 map showing the Palau Islands of the Spanish East Indies (excluding the Philippine Islands)
Village on the Palau Islands,painting byRudolf Hellgrewec. 1908
Koror chiefs in 1915

The Klein map and letter caused a vast interest in the new islands. Another letter written by Fr. Andrés Serrano was sent to Europe in 1705, essentially copying the information given by Klein. The letters resulted in three unsuccessful Jesuit attempts to travel to Palau fromSpanish Philippinesin 1700, 1708, and 1709. The islands were first visited by the Jesuit expedition led by Francisco Padilla on 30 November 1710. The expedition ended with the stranding of the two priests, Jacques Du Beron and Joseph Cortyl, on the coast of Sonsorol, because the mother shipSantísima Trinidadwas driven toMindanaoby a storm. Another ship was sent fromGuamin 1711 to save them only to capsize, causing the death of three more Jesuit priests. The failure of these missions gave Palau the original Spanish nameIslas Encantadas(Enchanted Islands).[20]

Transitions era[edit]

Palau in Japanese mandate

British traders became regular visitors to Palau in the 18th century (the British East India Company packet shipAntelopeshipwrecked offUlong Islandin 1783, leading toPrince Lee Boo's visit to London), followed by expanding Spanish influence in the 19th century. Palau, under the namePalaos,was included in theMalolos Congressin 1898, the first revolutionary congress in the Philippines, which wanted full independence from colonialists. Palau was part of theSpanish East Indiesheadquartered in the Spanish Philippines. Palau had one appointed member to the Congress, becoming the only group of islands in the entireCaroline Islandsgranted high representation in a non-colonial Philippine Congress. Congress also supported the right of Palau to self-determination if ever it wished to pursue such a path.[21]

Later in 1899 as part of the Caroline Islands, Palau was sold by the Spanish Empire to theGerman Empireas part ofGerman New Guineain theGerman–Spanish Treaty (1899).DuringWorld War I,theJapanese Empireannexed the islands after seizing them fromGermanyin 1914. Following World War I, theLeague of Nationsformally placed the islands under Japanese administration as part of theSouth Seas Mandate.In World War II, Palau was used by Japan to support its1941 invasion of the Philippines,which succeeded in 1942. The invasion overthrew the American-installedCommonwealth government in the Philippinesand installed the Japanese-backedSecond Philippine Republicin 1943.[22]

United States era[edit]

During World War II, the United States captured Palau from Japan in 1944 after the costlyBattle of Peleliu,when more than 2,000 Americans and 10,000 Japanese were killed and later theBattle of Angaur.In 1945–1946, the United States re-established control of the Philippines and managed Palau through the Philippine capital ofManila.By the latter half of 1946, however, the Philippines was granted full independence with the formation of theThird Republic of the Philippines,shifting the U.S. Far West Pacific capital toGuam.Palau was passed formally to the United States under United Nations auspices in 1947 as part of theTrust Territory of the Pacific Islandsestablished pursuant toSecurity Council Resolution 21.[citation needed]

Independence[edit]

TTPI High Commissioner and staff, 1960s

Four of the Trust Territory districts joined and formed theFederated States of Micronesiain 1979, but the districts of Palau and theMarshall Islandsvoted against the proposed constitution. Palau, the westernmost cluster of the Carolines, instead opted for independent status in 1978, which was widely supported by the Philippines,Taiwan,and Japan. It approved a new constitution and became the Republic of Palau on 1 January 1981.[23]It signed aCompact of Free Associationwith the United States in 1982. In the same year, Palau became one of the founding members of theNauru Agreement.The compact entered into force on 1 October 1994,[24]concluding Palau's transition from trusteeship to independence[25]as the last portion of theTrust Territory of the Pacific Islandsto secure its independence pursuant toSecurity Council Resolution 956.Palau also became a member of thePacific Islands Forumbut withdrew in February 2021 after a dispute regardingHenry Puna's election as the forum's secretary-general.[26][27]Legislation making Palau an "offshore" financial center was passed by theU.S. Senatein 1998.[28]

In 2005, Palau led theMicronesia Challenge,which would conserve 30% of near-shore coastal waters and 20% of forest land of participating countries by 2020. In 2009, Palau created the world's firstshark sanctuary,banning commercial shark fishing within its waters. In 2012, theRock Islandsof Palau was declared as aUNESCO World Heritage Site.[29]

In 2015, Palau became a member of theClimate Vulnerable Forumunder the chairmanship of the Philippines, and at the same time, the country officially protected 80% of its water resources, becoming the first country to do so.[30]The protection of its water resources made significant increases in the country's economy in less than two years.[31]In 2017, it became the first state in the world to establish an eco-promise, known as thePalau Pledge,which is stamped on local and foreign passports.[32]In 2018, Palau and the Philippines began re-connecting their economic and diplomatic relations. The Philippines supported Palau to become an observer state inASEAN.

Politics and government[edit]

Main article:Politics of Palau
Capitol of Palau,the seat of government

Palau is ademocraticrepublic.ThePresident of Palauis bothhead of stateandhead of government.Executive power is exercised by the government, while legislative power is vested in both the government and thePalau National Congress.Thejudiciaryis independent of the executive and the legislature. Palau adopted a constitution in 1981.

The Compact of Free Association between the United States and Palau[33]sets forth the free and voluntary association of their governments. It primarily focuses on the issues of government, economic, security, and defense relations.[34]Palau has no independent military, relying on the United States for its defense. Under the compact, theAmerican militarywas granted access to the islands for 50 years. TheU.S. Navyrole is minimal, limited to a handful of NavySeabees(construction engineers).[citation needed]TheU.S. Coast Guardpatrols in national waters. The government has agreed to host a largeUnited States Air Forcehigh-frequency radar station in Palau, anover-the-horizon-radarsystem costing well over $100 million, which is expected to be operational in 2026.[35][36]

In November 2020,Surangel Whipps Jrwas elected as the newPresident of Palauto succeed PresidentTommy Remengesau.[37]

Foreign relations[edit]

PresidentThomas RemengesauwithTaiwan'sPresidentTsai Ing-wenin 2016

As a sovereign state, Palau conductsits own foreign relations.[25]Since independence, Palau has established diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including many of its Pacific neighbors, like Micronesia and the Philippines. On 29 November 1994, theUnited Nations Security CouncilpassedResolution 963recommending Palau's admission to the United Nations. TheUnited Nations General Assemblyapproved admission for Palau pursuant to Resolution 49/63 on 15 December 1994.[38]Palau has since joined several other international organizations. In September 2006, Palau hosted the first Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit. Its president has made official visits to other Pacific countries, including Japan.[39]Taiwan has provided financial support for Palau to maintain a presence at international fora, including theUnited NationsandUnited Nations Climate Change Conference.[40]

Flags of countries who have foreign relations with Palau,Palasia Hotel

The United States maintains a diplomatic delegation and an embassy in Palau, but most aspects of the countries' relationship have to do with compact-funded projects, which are the responsibility of the U.S.Department of the Interior'sOffice of Insular Affairs.[41][failed verification]For example, as part of this compact, Palau was grantedZIP Codes96939 and 96940, along with regularU.S. Maildelivery. In international politics, Palau often votes in tandem with the United States onUnited Nations General Assemblyresolutions.[42]

Palau has maintained close ties with Japan, which has funded infrastructure projects, including theKoror–Babeldaob Bridge.In 2015, EmperorAkihitoandEmpress MichikovisitedPeleliuto honor the 70th anniversary of World War II.[43]

In 1981, Palau voted for the world's first nuclear-free constitution. This constitution banned the use, storage, and disposal ofnuclear,toxic chemical,gas, andbiological weaponswithout first being approved by a 75 percent majority in a referendum.[44]This ban delayed Palau's transition to independence because while negotiating the compact, the U.S. insisted on the option to operatenuclear-propelled vesselsand store nuclear weapons within the territory,[45]prompting campaigns for independence.[46]In 2017, Palau signed the United NationsTreaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.[47]

President Remengesau with Philippine PresidentRodrigo Dutertein 2018

Palau is a member of theNauru Agreementfor the Management of Fisheries.[48]The Philippines, a neighboring ally of Palau to the west has expressed its intent to back Palau if ever it wishes to joinASEAN.[49]

In June 2009, Palau announced that it wouldaccept up to seventeenUyghurswho had previously been detained by the American military atGuantanamo Bay,[50]with some American compensation for the cost of their upkeep.[51]Only one of the Uyghurs initially agreed to resettlement,[52]but by the end of October, six of the seventeen had been transferred to Palau.[53]An aid agreement with the United States, finalized in January 2010, was reported to be unrelated to the Uyghur agreement.[54]

Administrative divisions[edit]

Main article:States of Palau
The sixteen states of Palau
Republic of Palau

Palau is divided into sixteen states (until 1984 called municipalities). These are listed below with their areas (in square kilometers) and 2015 and 2020 Census populations:

State Area (km2) Population 2015 Census Population 2020 Census Notes
Kayangel 1.7 54 41 Comprises the islands of Kayangel Atoll
Ngarchelong 11.2 316 384 At the northern end of Babeldaob Island
Ngaraard 34 413 396 At the northern end of Babeldaob Island, just south of Ngarchelong State
Ngardmau 34 185 238 On the western side of Babeldaob Island
Ngaremlengui 68 350 349 On the western side of Babeldaob Island
Ngatpang 33 282 289 On the western side of Babeldaob Island
Ngiwal 17 282 312 On the eastern side of Babeldaob Island
Melekeok 26 277 318 On the eastern side of Babeldaob Island
Ngchesar 43 291 319 On the eastern side of Babeldaob Island
Aimeliik 44 334 363 In the southwestern part of Babeldaob Island
Airai 59 2,455 2,529 In the southeastern part of Babeldaob Island
Koror 60.52 11,444 11,199 Comprises Koror,Ngerekebesang,andMalakal Islands,plus theRock Islands(Chelbacheb) andEil Malkto the southwest
Peleliu 22.3 484 470 Comprises Peleliu Island and some islets to its north, notably Ngercheu
Angaur 8.06 119 114 Angaur Island, 12 km south of Peleliu
Sonsorol 3.1 40 53 Comprises Sonsorol,Fanna,Pulo Anna, andMerirIslands
Hatohobei 0.9 25 39 ComprisesTobi Islandand (uninhabited) Helen Reef

Historically, Palau'sRock Islandshave been part of the State of Koror.

Maritime law enforcement[edit]

TheEuatel,Kabekl M'talandBulprovide littoral fishery protection.[55]

Palau'sDivision of Marine Law Enforcementpatrols the nation's 600,000 square kilometers (230,000 square miles)exclusive economic zone.They operate two long-range patrol boats, theKedamand theRemeliik II,to hunt for poachers and unlicensed fishermen.[56][57][58]Smaller boats are used for littoral operations.[55]They are based on Koror.[59]

Political economy[edit]

In the view ofIslands Societypresident Michael Walsh, Palau is a key example of the successes of modern state-building in the Indo-Pacific region. It has successfully transitioned peacefully from colonial rule to full admission to the United Nations. Palau has maintained strong foreign relations with its neighbors in its region of Oceania. There have also been pushes for Palau to have observer status to the ASEAN as a demonstration of its growing influence in the region.[60]However, Palau's peaceful transition to fully autonomous sovereign state is not without debate.

Palau is hugely reliant on international aid, as demonstrated by President Surangel Whipps Jr address to the UN General Assembly in 2021.[61]American influence has led some to contest that there are challenges to its sovereignty with its reliance on the American military under the Compact of Free Association, although not officially designated a de factoprotectorateor otherwise. American influence has resulted in huge changes to Palau's society, economy, and political processes, and as such Palau may not yet be seen as a fully independent state or a fully realized success of modern state-building.[62]

Geography[edit]

Main article:Geography of Palau
Share of forest area in total land area, top countries (2021). Palau has the fifth highest percentage of forest cover in the world.

Palau's territory consists of an archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean. Its most populous islands areAngaur,Babeldaob,KororandPeleliu.The latter three lie together within the samebarrier reef,while Angaur is an oceanic island several kilometers to the south. About two-thirds of the population lives on Koror. The coralatollofKayangelis north of these islands, while the uninhabitedRock Islands(about 200) are west of the main island group. A remote group of six islands, known as theSouthwest Islands,some 604 kilometers (375 miles) from the main islands, make up the states of Hatohobei and Sonsorol.

Climate[edit]

Palau has atropical rainforest climatewith an annual mean temperature of 28 °C (82 °F). Rainfall is heavy throughout the year, averaging 3,800 mm (150 in). The average humidity is 82% and, although rain falls more frequently between June and October, there is still much sunshine. Palau lies on the edge of the typhoon belt. Tropical disturbances frequently develop near Palau every year, but significanttropical cyclonesare quite rare.Mike,BophaandHaiyanare the only systems that struck Palau as typhoons on record.[63]

Climate data for Palau Islands (1961–1990)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 30.6
(87.1) 		30.6
(87.1) 		30.9
(87.6) 		31.3
(88.3) 		31.4
(88.5) 		31.0
(87.8) 		30.6
(87.1) 		30.7
(87.3) 		30.9
(87.6) 		31.1
(88.0) 		31.4
(88.5) 		31.1
(88.0) 		31.0
(87.7)
Daily mean °C (°F) 27.3
(81.1) 		27.2
(81.0) 		27.5
(81.5) 		27.9
(82.2) 		28.0
(82.4) 		27.6
(81.7) 		27.4
(81.3) 		27.5
(81.5) 		27.7
(81.9) 		27.7
(81.9) 		27.9
(82.2) 		27.7
(81.9) 		27.6
(81.7)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 23.9
(75.0) 		23.9
(75.0) 		24.1
(75.4) 		24.4
(75.9) 		24.5
(76.1) 		24.2
(75.6) 		24.1
(75.4) 		24.3
(75.7) 		24.5
(76.1) 		24.4
(75.9) 		24.4
(75.9) 		24.2
(75.6) 		24.2
(75.6)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 271.8
(10.70) 		231.6
(9.12) 		208.3
(8.20) 		220.2
(8.67) 		304.5
(11.99) 		438.7
(17.27) 		458.2
(18.04) 		379.7
(14.95) 		301.2
(11.86) 		352.3
(13.87) 		287.5
(11.32) 		304.3
(11.98) 		3,758.3
(147.97)
Average rainy days 19.0 15.9 16.7 14.8 20.0 21.9 21.0 19.8 16.8 20.1 18.7 19.9 224.6
Mean monthlysunshine hours 198.4 194.9 244.9 234.0 210.8 168.0 186.0 176.7 198.0 179.8 183.0 182.9 2,357.4
Source: Hong Kong Observatory[64]

Environment[edit]

Aerial view ofNgerukewid
Aerial view ofRock Islands
Rock Islandsin Palau
An aerial view of limestone islands

Palau has a history of strong environmental conservation. For example,Ngerukewidislands and the surrounding area are protected under the Ngerukewid Islands Wildlife Preserve, which was established in 1956.[65]While much of Palau remains free ofenvironmental degradation,areas of concern include illegaldynamite fishing,inadequatesolid waste disposalfacilities in Koror, and extensive sand and coraldredgingin the Palau lagoon. As with other Pacific island states,rising sea levelpresents a major environmental threat. However, according to the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research averagecarbon dioxide emissions per personwere 60 tonnes in 2019, the highest in the world, and mostly from transport.[66][clarification needed]Inundation of low-lying areas threatens coastal vegetation, agriculture, and an already insufficientwater supply.Wastewater treatmentis a problem, along with the handling oftoxic wastefromfertilizersandbiocides.

One species ofsaltwater crocodile,Crocodylus porosus,is indigenous to Palau, occurring in varying numbers throughout themangrovesand in parts of the Rock Islands. Although this species is generally considered extremely dangerous, there has only been one fatal human attack, on 28 December 1965, in Palau in modern history.[67]This attack led to a crocodile eradication program and trade in crocodile hides that ran into the 1980s. A management and conservation program running since the 1990s has led to a stabilization of the Palauan crocodile population.[68]

On 5 November 2005,President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr.took the lead on a regional environmental initiative called the Micronesia Challenge, which would conserve 30% of near-shore coastal waters and 20% offorest landby 2020. Following Palau, the initiative was joined by the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and the US territories of Guam andNorthern Mariana Islands.Together, this combined region represents nearly 5% of the marine area of the Pacific Ocean and 7% of its coastline.

Palau contains thePalau tropical moist foreststerrestrial ecoregion.[69]It had a 2019Forest Landscape Integrity Indexmean score of 8.09/10, ranking it 27th globally out of 172 countries.[70]The country is vulnerable to earthquakes,volcanic activity,andtropical storms.

Shark sanctuary[edit]

On 25 September 2009, Palau announced that it would create the world's firstshark sanctuary.[71]Palau banned all commercial shark fishing within the waters of itsexclusive economic zone.The sanctuary protects about 600,000 square kilometers (230,000 sq mi) of ocean,[72]a similar size to France.[73][74][75]PresidentJohnson Toribiongannounced the sanctuary at a meeting of the United Nations.[73][76][77]Toribiong proposed a worldwide ban on fishing for sharks.[73]In 2012, Palau received the Future Policy Award fromWorld Future Council,because "Palau is a global leader in protecting marine ecosystems".[78]

Economy[edit]

Main article:Economy of Palau
Artificially madeGerman Channelis one of the most populardivesites.It is also a major transport route for boats that connects the lagoon to the Pacific Ocean in the south-west.
Aerial view ofKoror–Babeldaob Bridgein 2016

Palau's economy consists primarily of tourism, subsistence agriculture, and fishing. Tourist activity focuses on scuba diving and snorkeling in the islands' rich marine environment, including itsbarrier reefs' walls and World War II wrecks. In April 2022, Palau launchedOl'au Palau,a responsible tourism program aimed to preserve the country's natural environment and traditional culture.[79]The government is the largest employer, relying heavily on US financial assistance. Business and tourist arrivals numbered some 50,000 in fiscal year 2000–2001.[citation needed]

Although Palau's ship registry represents less than 0.001% of the world fleet of commercial ships, it contains almost 60% of last-voyage flags in 2019. It suggests that the registry is used by shipping companies to evade end-of-life responsibilities. These responsibilities entail the decommissioning of a ship in such a way that the environmental impact and labor conditions are in order.[80]

The population enjoys a per capita income twice that ofMicronesiaas a whole. Long-term prospects for the key tourist sector have been greatly bolstered by the expansion of air travel in thePacific Rim,the rising prosperity of leading East Asian countries and the willingness of foreigners to finance infrastructure development.[citation needed]


In November 2006,Pacific Saving Bankofficially announced bankruptcy. On 13 December 2006, thePalau Horizonreported that 641depositorshad been affected. Among them, 398 held less thanUS$5,000, with the remainder ranging from US$5,000 to US$2 million. On 12 December, 79 affected people received compensation. Toribiong said, "The fund for the payout came from the balance of the Palau government's loan fromTaiwan."From a total of US$1 million, which originally was for assisting Palau's development, US$955,000 was left at the time of bankruptcy. Toribiong requested the Taiwanese government use the balance to repay its loans. Taiwan agreed to the request. The compensation would include those who held less than US$4,000 in an account.[81]

The income tax has three brackets withprogressiverates of 9.3 percent, 15 percent, and 19.6 percent respectively.Corporate taxis four percent, and the Palau Goods and Services Tax was introduced on 1 January 2023. It is a broad-based tax of 10%, applied to most goods and services and other items sold or consumed in Palau.[82]There are noproperty taxes.

Major tourist draws in Palau include Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, aUNESCO World Heritage Site,[83]and four tentative UNESCO sites, namely,Ouballang ra Ngebedech (Ngebedech Terraces),Imeong Conservation Area,Yapease Quarry Sites, andTet el Bad (Stone Coffin).[84]

Healthcare[edit]

Palau is served by an 80-bed hospital, Belau National Hospital. With some medical specialties, there is no such specialty care in Palau necessitating medical care in Taiwan, the Philippines, or Hawaii.[85]There are no dermatologists or ophthalmologists (eye specialists) in Palau.[86]VEGF drugs for diabetic eye diseases cannot be given for eye conditions so laser surgery is done by visiting American ophthalmologists.[86]Belau National Hospital cannot treat certain brain hemorrhages necessitating emergency airlift to Taiwan.[87]

Transportation[edit]

Palau International Airport

Palau International Airportprovides scheduled direct flights withGuam(Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport),Manila(Ninoy Aquino International Airport), andTaipei(Taoyuan International Airport).Palau Pacific Airwaysalso has charter flights to and fromHong Kong(Hong Kong International Airport) andMacau(Macau International Airport). In addition, the states of Angaur and Peleliu have regular service to domestic destinations. On 23 November 2023,Drukair(Royal Bhutan Airlines) operated its first flight fromSingapore(Singapore Changi Airport) to Palau, operating on behalf ofAlii Palau Airlines.[88][89]

Air service has at times been spotty.Palau Micronesia Air,Asian SpiritandPacific Flierprovided service to the Philippines and other destinations at various times during the 2000s, but all suspended service.[90]United Airlinesprovides near-daily service to and from Guam, and once-weekly service toYap.Also,Korean Airprovides service three times per week toIncheon.China Airlines provides service 2 - 4 times a week between Koror and Taipei, Taiwan.

In May 2024Nauru Airlinesstarted direct weekly flights toBrisbane,Australia. The six-hour flight operated by B-737 aircraft depart Brisbane on Tuesdays at 23:30, arriving at Palau International Airport on the main island of Babeldaob at 04:30. Southbound flights will depart Palau on Wednesdays at 10:30, arriving in Brisbane at 05:30.[91]

Freight, military, and cruise ships often call at Malaehaka Harbor, onMalakal Islandoutside Koror. The country has no railways, and of the 61 km or 38 mi of highways, only 36 km or 22 mi are paved. Driving is on the right, and the speed limit is 40 km/h (25 mph). Taxis are available in Koror. They are not metered, and fares are negotiable. Transportation between islands mostly relies on private boats and domestic air services. However, there are some state-run boats[92]between islands as a cheaper alternative.

Demographics[edit]

Main article:Demographics of Palau
Historical population
YearPop.±%
19588,987—
197011,210+24.7%
198012,116+8.1%
199015,122+24.8%
199517,225+13.9%
200019,129+11.1%
200519,907+4.1%
201517,661−11.3%
202017,614−0.3%
Source:
  • "Island Areas".U.S. Census Bureau.
  • "Census of Population and Housing".PalauGov.pw.

The population of Palau is approximately 21,779 (2023),[93]73% of whom are native Palauans of mixedMelanesianandAustronesiandescent. There are many Asian communities within Palau.Filipinosform the largest Asian group and second largest ethnic group in the country, dating back to the Spanish colonial period. There are significant numbers ofChineseandKoreans.There are also smaller numbers of Palauans of mixed or fullJapanese ancestry.Most Palauans of Asian origin came during the late 20th century with many Chinese, Bangladeshis, and Nepalese coming to Palau as unskilled workers and professionals.[94]There are also small numbers of Europeans and Americans.

Languages[edit]

The official languages of Palau arePalauanand English, except in two states (Sonsorol and Hatohobei) where the local languages,SonsoroleseandTobian,respectively, along with Palauan, are official.Japaneseis spoken by some older[citation needed]Palauans and is an official language in Angaur.[95][96]Because of the inheritance of the education system from the Republic's time as a trust territory, English is a core subject within the Palauan Education System, with a majority of its population utilizing it as a second language. A local dialectinfluenced byPhilippine Englishis developing.

Religion[edit]

Main article:Religion in Palau

According to the 2020 census, 46.9% of the population isRoman Catholic,25.9%Protestant(primarilyEvangelical), 5%Seventh-day Adventist,5.1%Modekngei,4.9%Muslim,0.9%the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,and 11.4% other religions.[1]

The German and Japanese occupations of Palau both subsidized missionaries to follow the Spanish. Germans sent Roman Catholics and Protestants, the Japanese sent Shinto and Buddhist, and the Spaniards sent Roman Catholic missionaries as they controlled Palau. Three-quarters of the population are Christians (mainly Roman Catholics and Protestants), whileModekngei(a combination of Christianity, traditional Palauan religion and fortune telling) and the ancient Palauan religion are commonly observed. Japanese rule broughtMahayana BuddhismandShintoto Palau, which was the majority religion among Japanese settlers. However, following Japan's World War II defeat, the remaining Japanese largely converted to Christianity, while some continued to observe Buddhism but stopped practicing Shinto rites.[97]There are approximately 400BengaliMuslims.

Culture[edit]

See also:Music of Palau
A traditional Palauanbai

Palauan society follows a very strictmatrilinealsystem. Matrilineal practices are seen in nearly every aspect of Palauan traditions, especially in funerals, marriages, inheritance, and the passing of traditional titles.

The cuisine includes local foods such ascassava,taro,yam,potato, fish and pork. It is also heavily influenced by Japanese, American, andFilipino cuisine,because of the significant presence of Filipino migrant workers.Fruit batsoup is a commonly referenced Palauan delicacy.[98]Some local drinks include an alcoholic drink made from a coconut on the tree; a drink made from the roots of thekava;and the chewing ofbetel nuts.A dessert calledtamawas developed in Palau.[99]

Traditional government[edit]

Main article:Traditional chiefs of Palau

Newspapers[edit]

Palau has several newspapers:[100][101]

  • Rengel Belau(1983–1985)
  • Tia Belau(1992–present)
  • Island Times

Sports[edit]

Baseball has been popular in Palausince its introduction to the country in the 1920s by the Japanese. ThePalau national baseball teamwon the gold medal at the 1990, 1998 and2010 Micronesian Games,as well as at the2007 Pacific Games.On 20 June 2022, left fielderBligh Madrisplayed his first game for thePittsburgh Piratesagainst theChicago Cubs,thus becoming the first Palauan to play in the MLB. Palau has anational football team,organized by thePalau Football Association,but is not a member ofFIFA.The association organizes thePalau Soccer League.

TheBelau Omal Marathonbegan in 2023 as a partnership between Palau andTaiwan.

Education[edit]

Primary education is required until age 16. Schools include both public (includingPalau High School) and private institutions as well as some fields of study available atPalau Community College.For further undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, students travel abroad to attend tertiary institutions, primarily in the United States. Palau offers distance learning throughSan Diego State Universityand theUniversity of the South Pacific.[102]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

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Notes[edit]

  1. ^/pəˈlaʊ/ⓘ;Palauan:Belau,pronounced[ˈbɛlaw]
  2. ^Palauan:Beluu er a Belau

External links[edit]

Government[edit]

Local News[edit]

General information[edit]

7°30′N134°30′E/ 7.500°N 134.500°E/7.500; 134.500

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