Palau - PW - PLW - PLW - Australia and Oceania
Last updated: May 07, 2025
Palau Images
Palau’s Rock Islands Southern Lagoon consists of 445 limestone islands shaped by volcanic activity in an area of about 42 sq km (16 sq mi). The islands are now largely uninhabited, but stone villages, burial sites, and rock art remain from a 2,500-year period of habitation that ended in the 18th century.
Aerial view of Jellyfish Lake on the island of Eil Malk in Palau. This view is looking west across the lake, past small coral and rock islets and toward the Seventy Island Preserve, which is about 11.5 km (7 mi) away. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
Located on Eil Malk island, Jellyfish Lake is an unusual marine lake that is poplated almost exclusively by two species of jellyfish: golden and moon jellyfish. Eil Malk is part of the Rock Islands, a group of small, rocky, and mostly uninhabited islands in Palau's Southern Lagoon, between Koror and Peleliu.
Beach on the southwest coast of Peleliu, Palau, where the US Marines landed on 15 September 1944 at the start of the Battle of Peleliu.
The Peleliu War Museum in Palau is housed in a former Japanese storage bunker that was used during the Battle of Peleliu (15 September 1944 – 27 November 1944) as a command post.
US Marine Corps Medal of Honor Winners Memorial on Peleliu in Palau.
The remains of a Japanese airfield building on Peleliu, Palau.
Japanese defender cave position on Peleliu, Palau.
Japanese memorial on Peleliu, Palau.
Palau’s Rock Islands Southern Lagoon consists of 445 limestone islands shaped by volcanic activity in an area of about 42 sq km (16 sq mi). The islands are now largely uninhabited, but stone villages, burial sites, and rock art remain from a 2,500-year period of habitation that ended in the 18th century.
Aerial view of Jellyfish Lake on the island of Eil Malk in Palau. This view is looking west across the lake, past small coral and rock islets and toward the Seventy Island Preserve, which is about 11.5 km (7 mi) away. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.
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Palau Factbook Data
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Joel EHRENDREICH (since 29 September 2023)
embassy: Omsangel/Beklelachieb, Airai 96940
mailing address: 4260 Koror Place, Washington, DC 20521-4260
telephone: [680] 587-2920
FAX: [680] 587-2911
email address and website:
ConsularKoror@state.gov
https://pw.usembassy.gov/
embassy: Omsangel/Beklelachieb, Airai 96940
mailing address: 4260 Koror Place, Washington, DC 20521-4260
telephone: [680] 587-2920
FAX: [680] 587-2911
email address and website:
ConsularKoror@state.gov
https://pw.usembassy.gov/
Age structure
0-14 years: 17.5% (male 1,976/female 1,849)
15-64 years: 71.3% (male 8,647/female 6,935)
65 years and over: 11.2% (2024 est.) (male 612/female 1,845)
15-64 years: 71.3% (male 8,647/female 6,935)
65 years and over: 11.2% (2024 est.) (male 612/female 1,845)
This is the population pyramid for Palau. A population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends.
For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
Geographic coordinates
7 30 N, 134 30 E
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.25 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.33 male(s)/female
total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.25 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.33 male(s)/female
total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Natural hazards
typhoons (June to December)
Area - comparative
slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, D.C.
slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Background
Humans arrived in the Palauan archipelago from Southeast Asia around 1000 B.C. and developed a complex, highly organized matrilineal society where high-ranking women picked the chiefs. The islands were the westernmost part of the widely scattered Pacific islands north of New Guinea that Spanish explorers named the Caroline Islands in the 17th century. The 18th and 19th centuries saw occasional visits of whalers and traders as Spain gained some influence in the islands and administered it from the Philippines. Spain sold Palau to Germany in 1899 after losing the Philippines in the Spanish-American War.
Japan seized Palau in 1914, was granted a League of Nations mandate to administer the islands in 1920, and made Koror the capital of its South Seas Mandate in 1922. By the outbreak of World War II, there were four times as many Japanese living in Koror as Palauans. In 1944, the US invasion of the island of Peleliu was one of the bloodiest island fights of the Pacific War. After the war, Palau became part of the US-administered Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
Palau voted against joining the Federated States of Micronesia in 1978 and adopted its own constitution in 1981, which stated that Palau was a nuclear-free country. In 1982, Palau signed a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the US, which granted Palau financial assistance and access to many US domestic programs in exchange for exclusive US military access and defense responsibilities. However, many Palauans saw the COFA as incompatible with the Palauan Constitution because of the US military’s nuclear arsenal, and seven referenda failed to achieve ratification. Following a constitutional amendment and eighth referendum in 1993, the COFA was ratified and entered into force in 1994 when the islands gained their independence. Its funding was renewed in 2010.
Palau has been on the frontlines of combatting climate change and protecting marine resources. In 2011, Palau banned commercial shark fishing and created the world’s first shark sanctuary. In 2017, Palau began stamping the Palau Pledge into passports, reminding visitors to act in ecologically and culturally responsible ways. In 2020, Palau banned coral reef-toxic sunscreens and expanded its fishing prohibition to include 80% of its exclusive economic zone.
Japan seized Palau in 1914, was granted a League of Nations mandate to administer the islands in 1920, and made Koror the capital of its South Seas Mandate in 1922. By the outbreak of World War II, there were four times as many Japanese living in Koror as Palauans. In 1944, the US invasion of the island of Peleliu was one of the bloodiest island fights of the Pacific War. After the war, Palau became part of the US-administered Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
Palau voted against joining the Federated States of Micronesia in 1978 and adopted its own constitution in 1981, which stated that Palau was a nuclear-free country. In 1982, Palau signed a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the US, which granted Palau financial assistance and access to many US domestic programs in exchange for exclusive US military access and defense responsibilities. However, many Palauans saw the COFA as incompatible with the Palauan Constitution because of the US military’s nuclear arsenal, and seven referenda failed to achieve ratification. Following a constitutional amendment and eighth referendum in 1993, the COFA was ratified and entered into force in 1994 when the islands gained their independence. Its funding was renewed in 2010.
Palau has been on the frontlines of combatting climate change and protecting marine resources. In 2011, Palau banned commercial shark fishing and created the world’s first shark sanctuary. In 2017, Palau began stamping the Palau Pledge into passports, reminding visitors to act in ecologically and culturally responsible ways. In 2020, Palau banned coral reef-toxic sunscreens and expanded its fishing prohibition to include 80% of its exclusive economic zone.
Environment - current issues
inadequate facilities for disposal of solid waste; threats to the marine ecosystem from sand and coral dredging, illegal fishing practices, and overfishing; rising sea level; coral bleaching; drought
Environment - international agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Exports - commodities
ships, refined petroleum (2023)
note: top export commodities based on value in dollars over $500,000
note: top export commodities based on value in dollars over $500,000
Exports - partners
India 41%, Turkey 26%, Taiwan 10%, USA 9%, Japan 5% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Administrative divisions
16 states; Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Hatohobei, Kayangel, Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngarchelong, Ngardmau, Ngatpang, Ngchesar, Ngeremlengui, Ngiwal, Peleliu, Sonsorol
Agricultural products
coconuts, cassava (manioc, tapioca), sweet potatoes; fish, pigs, chickens, eggs, bananas, papaya, breadfruit, calamansi, soursop, Polynesian chestnuts, Polynesian almonds, mangoes, taro, guava, beans, cucumbers, squash/pumpkins (various), eggplant, green onions, kangkong (watercress), cabbages (various), radishes, betel nuts, melons, peppers, noni, okra
Military and security forces
no regular military forces; the Bureau of Public Safety (Ministry of Justice) has divisions for police functions and maritime security (2025)
Budget
revenues: $173.256 million (2019 est.)
expenditures: $175.508 million (2019 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenses converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
expenditures: $175.508 million (2019 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenses converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Capital
name: Ngerulmud
geographic coordinates: 7 30 N, 134 37 E
time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name comes from a Palauan term meaning "place of fermented angelfish;" the site of the capital was the traditional location for women to gather and offer fermented angelfish to the gods
geographic coordinates: 7 30 N, 134 37 E
time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name comes from a Palauan term meaning "place of fermented angelfish;" the site of the capital was the traditional location for women to gather and offer fermented angelfish to the gods
Imports - commodities
ships, refined petroleum, additive manufacturing machines, cars, plastic products (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Climate
tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November
Coastline
1,519 km
Constitution
history: ratified 9 July 1980, effective 1 January 1981
amendment process: proposed by a constitutional convention (held at least once every 15 years with voter approval), by public petition of at least 25% of eligible voters, or by a resolution adopted by at least three fourths of National Congress members; passage requires approval by a majority of votes in at least three fourths of the states in the next regular general election
amendment process: proposed by a constitutional convention (held at least once every 15 years with voter approval), by public petition of at least 25% of eligible voters, or by a resolution adopted by at least three fourths of National Congress members; passage requires approval by a majority of votes in at least three fourths of the states in the next regular general election
Exchange rates
the US dollar is used
Executive branch
chief of state: President Surangel WHIPPS Jr. (since 21 January 2021)
head of government: President Surangel WHIPPS Jr. (since 21 January 2021)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with the advice and consent of the Senate; also includes the vice president; the Council of Chiefs consists of chiefs from each of the states who advise the president on issues concerning traditional laws, customs, and their relationship to the constitution and laws of Palau
elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on separate ballots by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 5 November 2024 (next to be held November 2028)
election results: 2024: Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. elected president in second round; percent of vote - Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. (independent) 57.7%, Tommy REMENGESAU (independent) 42.1%, other 0.2%
2020: Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. elected president in second round; percent of vote - Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. (independent) 56.7%, Raynold OILUCH (independent) 43.3%
note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Surangel WHIPPS Jr. (since 21 January 2021)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with the advice and consent of the Senate; also includes the vice president; the Council of Chiefs consists of chiefs from each of the states who advise the president on issues concerning traditional laws, customs, and their relationship to the constitution and laws of Palau
elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on separate ballots by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 5 November 2024 (next to be held November 2028)
election results: 2024: Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. elected president in second round; percent of vote - Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. (independent) 57.7%, Tommy REMENGESAU (independent) 42.1%, other 0.2%
2020: Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. elected president in second round; percent of vote - Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. (independent) 56.7%, Raynold OILUCH (independent) 43.3%
note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Flag description
light blue with a large yellow disk shifted slightly to the hoist side; the blue color represents the ocean, the disk represents the moon; Palauans consider the full moon to be the optimum time for human activity; it is also considered a symbol of peace, love, and tranquility
Independence
1 October 1994 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)
Industries
tourism, fishing, subsistence agriculture
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 3 associate justices organized into appellate trial divisions; the Supreme Court organization also includes the Common Pleas and Land Courts)
judge selection and term of office: justices nominated by a 7-member independent body consisting of judges, presidential appointees, and lawyers and appointed by the president; judges can serve until mandatory retirement at age 65
subordinate courts: National Court and other inferior courts
judge selection and term of office: justices nominated by a 7-member independent body consisting of judges, presidential appointees, and lawyers and appointed by the president; judges can serve until mandatory retirement at age 65
subordinate courts: National Court and other inferior courts
Land boundaries
total: 0 km
Land use
agricultural land: 9.3% (2022 est.)
arable land: 0.7% (2022 est.)
permanent crops: 4.3% (2022 est.)
permanent pasture: 4.3% (2022 est.)
forest: 90.4% (2022 est.)
other: 0.3% (2022 est.)
arable land: 0.7% (2022 est.)
permanent crops: 4.3% (2022 est.)
permanent pasture: 4.3% (2022 est.)
forest: 90.4% (2022 est.)
other: 0.3% (2022 est.)
Legal system
mixed legal system of civil, common, and customary law
Legislative branch
legislature name: National Congress (Olbiil Era Kelulau)
legislative structure: bicameral
legislative structure: bicameral
Literacy
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 96.6%
male: 96.8%
female: 96.3% (2015)
total population: 96.6%
male: 96.8%
female: 96.3% (2015)
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm
International organization participation
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, IOC, IPU, MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO
National holiday
Constitution Day, 9 July (1981), day of a national referendum to pass the new constitution; Independence Day, 1 October (1994)
Nationality
noun: Palauan(s)
adjective: Palauan
adjective: Palauan
Natural resources
forests, minerals (especially gold), marine products, deep-seabed minerals
Geography - note
westernmost archipelago in the Caroline chain, consists of six island groups totaling more than 300 islands; includes world-famous Rock Islands
Economic overview
high-income Pacific island economy; environmentally fragile; subsistence agriculture and fishing industries; US aid reliance; rebounding post-pandemic tourism industry and services sector; very high living standard and low unemployment
Political parties
none
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Telecommunication systems
general assessment: Palau telecommunications is a small, formerly unregulated sector undertaking significant growth with the improvement and cost reduction in technology; mobile services have taken over the share of the market from landlines, with both 2-3G cell services throughout the islands; sim cards are easily available and offer 3G and data options; there are pre-paid and post-paid options for both voice and data; there are three data options for using a wireless hotspot network throughout Palau; connection from hotel and restaurant premises is available, enabling users to connect via WiFi throughout the main Islands of Palau (2022)
domestic: fixed-line nearly 44 per 100 and mobile-cellular services roughly 130 per 100 persons (2021)
international: country code - 680; landing point for the SEA-US submarine cable linking Palau, Philippines, Micronesia, Indonesia, Hawaii (US), Guam (US) and California (US); satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2019)
domestic: fixed-line nearly 44 per 100 and mobile-cellular services roughly 130 per 100 persons (2021)
international: country code - 680; landing point for the SEA-US submarine cable linking Palau, Philippines, Micronesia, Indonesia, Hawaii (US), Guam (US) and California (US); satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2019)
Terrain
varying topography from the high, mountainous main island of Babelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by large barrier reefs
Government type
presidential republic in free association with the US
Military - note
under the Compact of Free Association between Palau and the US, the US is responsible for the defense of Palau and the US military is granted access to the islands; the COFA also allows citizens of Palau to serve in the US armed forces
Palau has a "shiprider" agreement with the US, which allows local maritime law enforcement officers to embark on US Coast Guard (USCG) and US Navy (USN) vessels, including to board and search vessels suspected of violating laws or regulations within Palau's designated exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or on the high seas; "shiprider" agreements also enable USCG personnel and USN vessels with embarked USCG law enforcement personnel to work with host nations to protect critical regional resources (2024)
Palau has a "shiprider" agreement with the US, which allows local maritime law enforcement officers to embark on US Coast Guard (USCG) and US Navy (USN) vessels, including to board and search vessels suspected of violating laws or regulations within Palau's designated exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or on the high seas; "shiprider" agreements also enable USCG personnel and USN vessels with embarked USCG law enforcement personnel to work with host nations to protect critical regional resources (2024)
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Palau
conventional short form: Palau
local long form: Beluu er a Belau
local short form: Belau
former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Palau District
etymology: from the Palauan name for the islands, Belau, which likely derives from the Palauan word beluu, meaning "village"
conventional short form: Palau
local long form: Beluu er a Belau
local short form: Belau
former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Palau District
etymology: from the Palauan name for the islands, Belau, which likely derives from the Palauan word beluu, meaning "village"
Location
Oceania, group of islands in the North Pacific Ocean, southeast of the Philippines
Map references
Oceania
Irrigated land
0 sq km (2022)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Hersey KYOTA (since 12 November 1997)
chancery: 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20006
telephone: [1] (202) 349-8598
FAX: [1] (202) 452-6281
email address and website:
info@palauembassy.org
https://www.palauembassy.org/
consulate(s): Tamuning (Guam)
chancery: 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20006
telephone: [1] (202) 349-8598
FAX: [1] (202) 452-6281
email address and website:
info@palauembassy.org
https://www.palauembassy.org/
consulate(s): Tamuning (Guam)
Internet users
percent of population: 37.2% (2021 est.)
Internet country code
.pw
GDP (official exchange rate)
$281.849 million (2023 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 17 years
male: 16 years
female: 17 years (2013)
male: 16 years
female: 17 years (2013)
Urbanization
urban population: 82.4% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.59% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 1.59% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Broadcast media
no broadcast TV stations; a cable TV network covers the major islands and provides access to 4 local cable stations, rebroadcasts (on a delayed basis) of a number of US stations, as well as access to a number of real-time satellite TV channels; about a half dozen radio stations (1 government-owned) (2019)
Drinking water source
improved:
urban: 99.6% of population
rural: 99.8% of population
total: 99.7% of population
unimproved:
urban: 0.4% of population
rural: 0.2% of population
total: 0.3% of population (2020 est.)
urban: 99.6% of population
rural: 99.8% of population
total: 99.7% of population
unimproved:
urban: 0.4% of population
rural: 0.2% of population
total: 0.3% of population (2020 est.)
National anthem
name: "Belau rekid" (Our Palau)
lyrics/music: multiple/Ymesei O. EZEKIEL
note: adopted 1980
lyrics/music: multiple/Ymesei O. EZEKIEL
note: adopted 1980
This is an audio of the National Anthem for Palau. The national anthem is generally a patriotic musical composition - usually in the form of a song or hymn of praise - that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions, or struggles of a nation or its people. National anthems can be officially recognized as a national song by a country's constitution or by an enacted law, or simply by tradition. Although most anthems contain lyrics, some do not.
Major urban areas - population
277 NGERULMUD (capital) (2018)
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Physician density
1.81 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
National symbol(s)
bai (native meeting house); national colors: blue, yellow
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 77.8% (2022 est.)
government consumption: 36.3% (2022 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 36.6% (2022 est.)
investment in inventories: 1.8% (2022 est.)
exports of goods and services: 13.5% (2022 est.)
imports of goods and services: -74.3% (2022 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
government consumption: 36.3% (2022 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 36.6% (2022 est.)
investment in inventories: 1.8% (2022 est.)
exports of goods and services: 13.5% (2022 est.)
imports of goods and services: -74.3% (2022 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Palau
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: note - no procedure for naturalization
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Palau
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: note - no procedure for naturalization
Population distribution
most of the population is located on the southern end of the main island of Babelthuap
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
electrification - urban areas: 99.9%
electrification - rural areas: 100%
electrification - urban areas: 99.9%
electrification - rural areas: 100%
Sanitation facility access
improved:
urban: 99.8% of population
rural: 99% of population
total: 99.6% of population
unimproved:
urban: 0.2% of population
rural: 1% of population
total: 0.4% of population (2020 est.)
urban: 99.8% of population
rural: 99% of population
total: 99.6% of population
unimproved:
urban: 0.2% of population
rural: 1% of population
total: 0.4% of population (2020 est.)
Ethnic groups
Palauan (Micronesian with Malayan and Melanesian admixtures) 70.6%, Carolinian 1.2%, Asian 26.5%, other 1.7% (2020 est.)
Religions
Roman Catholic 46.9%, Protestant 30.9% (Evangelical 24.6%, Seventh Day Adventist 5%, other Protestant 1.4%), Modekngei 5.1% (indigenous to Palau), Muslim 4.9%, other 12.3% (2020 est.)
Languages
Palauan (official on most islands) 65.2%, other Micronesian 1.9%, English (official) 19.1%, Filipino 9.9%, Chinese 1.2%, other 2.8% (2015 est.)
note: Sonsoralese is official in Sonsoral; Tobian is official in Tobi; Angaur and Japanese are official in Angaur
note: Sonsoralese is official in Sonsoral; Tobian is official in Tobi; Angaur and Japanese are official in Angaur
Imports - partners
Italy 32%, China 25%, USA 11%, Turkey 10%, Japan 6% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Elevation
highest point: Mount Ngerchelchuus 242 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
Contraceptive prevalence rate
NA
Current health expenditure
16.4% of GDP (2021)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 40.3 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 24.5 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 15.8 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 6.3 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 24.5 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 15.8 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 6.3 (2024 est.)
Total renewable water resources
0 cubic meters (2017 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 9,427 tons (2016 est.)
Air pollutants
particulate matter emissions: 7.82 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
carbon dioxide emissions: 0.22 megatons (2016 est.)
methane emissions: 0.06 megatons (2020 est.)
carbon dioxide emissions: 0.22 megatons (2016 est.)
methane emissions: 0.06 megatons (2020 est.)
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
T8
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 1 (mixed)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Rock Islands Southern Lagoon
selected World Heritage Site locales: Rock Islands Southern Lagoon
Gross reproduction rate
0.83 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
45.6% (2023 est.)
Remittances
0.69% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.76% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
0.76% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Ports
total ports: 1 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 0
very small: 1
ports with oil terminals: 1
key ports: Malakal Harbor
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 0
very small: 1
ports with oil terminals: 1
key ports: Malakal Harbor
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name: House of Delegates
number of seats: 16 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 11/5/2024
percentage of women in chamber: 25%
expected date of next election: November 2028
number of seats: 16 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 11/5/2024
percentage of women in chamber: 25%
expected date of next election: November 2028
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name: Senate
number of seats: 15 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 11/5/2024
percentage of women in chamber: 13.3%
expected date of next election: November 2028
number of seats: 15 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 11/5/2024
percentage of women in chamber: 13.3%
expected date of next election: November 2028
Labor force
11,610 (2016)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 5.6% (2014)
Net migration rate
0.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 35.3 years (2024 est.)
male: 34.1 years
female: 37.4 years
male: 34.1 years
female: 37.4 years
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$580.9 million (2015 est.)
Public debt
85.2% of GDP (2019 est.)
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Total fertility rate
1.7 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
1.7% (2015 est.)
Population
total: 21,864 (2024 est.)
male: 11,235
female: 10,629
male: 11,235
female: 10,629
Area
total : 459 sq km
land: 459 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 459 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Taxes and other revenues
18.08% (of GDP) (2020 est.)
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$280.025 million (2023 est.)
$274.866 million (2022 est.)
$278.538 million (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$274.866 million (2022 est.)
$278.538 million (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Airports
3 (2025)
Infant mortality rate
total: 10.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
male: 12.7 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 8.8 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 12.7 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 8.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 24,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 133 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 133 (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
12.8% (2023 est.)
12.35% (2022 est.)
2.61% (2021 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
12.35% (2022 est.)
2.61% (2021 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
-$135.428 million (2022 est.)
-$115.739 million (2021 est.)
-$115.61 million (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
-$115.739 million (2021 est.)
-$115.61 million (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$15,800 (2023 est.)
$15,500 (2022 est.)
$15,700 (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$15,500 (2022 est.)
$15,700 (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 1,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2023 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 17.6% (2020 est.)
male: 27.3% (2020 est.)
female: 7.9% (2020 est.)
male: 27.3% (2020 est.)
female: 7.9% (2020 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
55.3% (2016)
Death rate
8.4 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
11.6 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Merchant marine
total: 427 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 49, container ship 8, general cargo 200, oil tanker 52, other 118
by type: bulk carrier 49, container ship 8, general cargo 200, oil tanker 52, other 118
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
NA
Imports
$216.681 million (2022 est.)
$169.938 million (2021 est.)
$207.224 million (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$169.938 million (2021 est.)
$207.224 million (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$24.48 million (2022 est.)
$10.566 million (2021 est.)
$52.897 million (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$10.566 million (2021 est.)
$52.897 million (2020 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 8,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 45 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 45 (2023 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 75.2 years (2024 est.)
male: 72 years
female: 78.5 years
male: 72 years
female: 78.5 years
Real GDP growth rate
1.88% (2023 est.)
-1.32% (2022 est.)
-14.16% (2021 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
-1.32% (2022 est.)
-14.16% (2021 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
-19.49% (2023 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 3% (2023 est.)
industry: 9.9% (2023 est.)
services: 76.7% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
industry: 9.9% (2023 est.)
services: 76.7% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Revenue from forest resources
0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Education expenditures
6.8% of GDP (2019)
Population growth rate
0.38% (2024 est.)