Palau - PW - PLW - PLW - Australia and Oceania

Last updated: April 17, 2024
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  • Native Micronesian making a paddle with an adze for his outrigger canoe (wa) on the island of Tobi. Image courtesy of NOAA / James P. McVey.

    Native Micronesian making a paddle with an adze for his outrigger canoe (wa) on the island of Tobi. Image courtesy of NOAA / James P. McVey.

  • Another space-based view of Palau showing the southern portion of Babeldaob Island (top) and various islands to its south ending in Peleliu (bottom), the site of a fierce World War II battle. (Image courtesy of NASA.)

    Another space-based view of Palau showing the southern portion of Babeldaob Island (top) and various islands to its south ending in Peleliu (bottom), the site of a fierce World War II battle. (Image courtesy of NASA.)

  • Aerial view of Jellyfish Lake on the island of Eil Malk in Palau. This view is looking west across the lake, past some small coral and rock islets around Eil Malk, and toward the Seventy Island Preserve, which is some 11.5 km (7 mi) distant. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

    Aerial view of Jellyfish Lake on the island of Eil Malk in Palau. This view is looking west across the lake, past some small coral and rock islets around Eil Malk, and toward the Seventy Island Preserve, which is some 11.5 km (7 mi) distant. 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, mostly uninhabited islands in Palau's Southern Lagoon, between Koror and Peleliu. Millions of golden jellyfish migrate horizontally across the lake daily. Although Jellyfish Lake is connected to the ocean through fissures and tunnels, the lake is sufficiently isolated and the conditions are different enough that the diversity of species in the lake is greatly reduced from the nearby lagoon.

    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, mostly uninhabited islands in Palau's Southern Lagoon, between Koror and Peleliu. Millions of golden jellyfish migrate horizontally across the lake daily. Although Jellyfish Lake is connected to the ocean through fissures and tunnels, the lake is sufficiently isolated and the conditions are different enough that the diversity of species in the lake is greatly reduced from the nearby lagoon.

  • The Rock Islands are a large group of 445 uninhabited limestone islands in the Southern Lagoon of Palau between Koror and Peleliu. They are probably Palau's most outstanding scenic feature. Their aggregate area is about 42 sq km (16 sq mi) with a maximum height of 207 m (679 ft). The islands were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. Image courtesy of NOAA / James P. McVey.

    The Rock Islands are a large group of 445 uninhabited limestone islands in the Southern Lagoon of Palau between Koror and Peleliu. They are probably Palau's most outstanding scenic feature. Their aggregate area is about 42 sq km (16 sq mi) with a maximum height of 207 m (679 ft). The islands were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. Image courtesy of NOAA / James P. McVey.

  • The Rock Islands are limestone islands in Palau's Southern Lagoon, between Koror and Peleliu, that are now part of Koror State. There are 445 islands in the group with an aggregate area of about 42 sq km (16 sq mi) and a height up to 207 m (679 ft). They became a World Heritage Site in 2012. The islands are largely uninhabited and are famous for their beaches, blue lagoons, and the peculiar mushroom- or umbrella-like shapes of many of the islands.

    The Rock Islands are limestone islands in Palau's Southern Lagoon, between Koror and Peleliu, that are now part of Koror State. There are 445 islands in the group with an aggregate area of about 42 sq km (16 sq mi) and a height up to 207 m (679 ft). They became a World Heritage Site in 2012. The islands are largely uninhabited and are famous for their beaches, blue lagoons, and the peculiar mushroom- or umbrella-like shapes of many of the islands.

  • Some of the Rock Islands in Palau's Southern Lagoon, between Koror and Peleliu.

    Some of the Rock Islands in Palau's Southern Lagoon, between Koror and Peleliu.

  • Palauan waters.

    Palauan waters.

  • Some of the Rock Islands in Palau's Southern Lagoon, between Koror and Peleliu.

    Some of the Rock Islands in Palau's Southern Lagoon, between Koror and Peleliu.

  • Some of the Rock Islands in Palau's Southern Lagoon, between Koror and Peleliu.

    Some of the Rock Islands in Palau's Southern Lagoon, between Koror and Peleliu.

  • Some of the Rock Islands in Palau's Southern Lagoon, between Koror and Peleliu.

    Some of the Rock Islands in Palau's Southern Lagoon, between Koror and Peleliu.

  • View of Peleliu from a forest ridge showing some of the dense island vegetation.

    View of Peleliu from a forest ridge showing some of the dense island vegetation.

  • Directional sign to many of the World War II Battle of Peleliu memorial sites. The battle was fought between the US and Japan from 15 September to 27 November 1944 on the Palauan island of Peleliu. US Marines of the 1st Marine Division, and later soldiers of the US Army's 81st Infantry Division, fought to capture the airstrip on the small coral island. The casualty rate exceeded that of all other US amphibious operations during the Pacific War causing the fighting there to be described as, "the bitterest battle of the war for the Marines.”

    Directional sign to many of the World War II Battle of Peleliu memorial sites. The battle was fought between the US and Japan from 15 September to 27 November 1944 on the Palauan island of Peleliu. US Marines of the 1st Marine Division, and later soldiers of the US Army's 81st Infantry Division, fought to capture the airstrip on the small coral island. The casualty rate exceeded that of all other US amphibious operations during the Pacific War causing the fighting there to be described as, "the bitterest battle of the war for the Marines.”

  • Beach on the southwest coast of Peleliu where the US Marines landed on 15 September 1944 at the start of the Battle of Peleliu .

    Beach on the southwest coast of Peleliu where the US Marines landed on 15 September 1944 at the start of the Battle of Peleliu .

  • The Peleliu War Museum is housed in a former Japanese storage bunker that was used during the Battle of Peleliu (15 September 1944 – 27 November 1944) as command post. The bunker was heavily damaged from the outside by artillery shells fired from the sea. The collection consists of many relics found on the battlefield, such as weapons, helmets, and personal belongings.

    The Peleliu War Museum is housed in a former Japanese storage bunker that was used during the Battle of Peleliu (15 September 1944 – 27 November 1944) as command post. The bunker was heavily damaged from the outside by artillery shells fired from the sea. The collection consists of many relics found on the battlefield, such as weapons, helmets, and personal belongings.

  • View of the interior of the Peleliu War Museum, which is housed in a former Japanese storage bunker that was used during the Battle of Peleliu (15 September 1944 – 27 November 1944) as command post. The bunker was heavily damaged from the outside by artillery shells fired from the sea. The collection consists of many relics found on the battlefield, such as weapons, helmets, and personal belongings.

    View of the interior of the Peleliu War Museum, which is housed in a former Japanese storage bunker that was used during the Battle of Peleliu (15 September 1944 – 27 November 1944) as command post. The bunker was heavily damaged from the outside by artillery shells fired from the sea. The collection consists of many relics found on the battlefield, such as weapons, helmets, and personal belongings.

  • Sign on the Battle of Peleliu Jungle Trail that winds through an area still littered with potentially dangerous explosives.

    Sign on the Battle of Peleliu Jungle Trail that winds through an area still littered with potentially dangerous explosives.

  • A rusting Japanese gun emplacement along the Peleliu shoreline.

    A rusting Japanese gun emplacement along the Peleliu shoreline.

  • Memorial marker to the US Army's 81st Infantry Division on Peleliu.

    Memorial marker to the US Army's 81st Infantry Division on Peleliu.

  • Sign at the entrance to a vast cave system carved out by Japanese defenders on Peleliu.

    Sign at the entrance to a vast cave system carved out by Japanese defenders on Peleliu.

  • The remains of a Japanese tank starting to be overtaken by jungle foliage.

    The remains of a Japanese tank starting to be overtaken by jungle foliage.

  • Sign along the Battle of Peleliu Jungle Trail.

    Sign along the Battle of Peleliu Jungle Trail.

  • US Marine Corps Medal of Honor Winners Memorial on Peleliu.

    US Marine Corps Medal of Honor Winners Memorial on Peleliu.

  • The rusting remains of a US tank on Peleliu.

    The rusting remains of a US tank on Peleliu.

  • War debris along the Battle of Peleliu Jungle Trail.

    War debris along the Battle of Peleliu Jungle Trail.

  • The remains of a Japanese airfield building on Peleliu.

    The remains of a Japanese airfield building on Peleliu.

  • Japanese defender cave position on Peleliu.

    Japanese defender cave position on Peleliu.

  • Japanese artillery position in a cave at Peleliu.

    Japanese artillery position in a cave at Peleliu.

  • Japanese memorial on Peleliu.

    Japanese memorial on Peleliu.

  • Japanese monument on Peleliu.

    Japanese monument on Peleliu.

  • A Tobi Island native dwelling (bai) in 1971.

    A Tobi Island native dwelling (bai) in 1971.

  • Palau Native Palauan fishermen at sea off the island of Tobi. Few Micronesians still use traditional sailing outrigger canoes today. Image courtesy of NOAA / James P. McVey.

    Palau Native Palauan fishermen at sea off the island of Tobi. Few Micronesians still use traditional sailing outrigger canoes today. Image courtesy of NOAA / James P. McVey.

  • A native outrigger canoe stored in a protective boathouse on the island of Tobi. Image courtesy of NOAA / James P. McVey.

    A native outrigger canoe stored in a protective boathouse on the island of Tobi. Image courtesy of NOAA / James P. McVey.

  • Native Micronesian making a paddle with an adze for his outrigger canoe (wa) on the island of Tobi. Image courtesy of NOAA / James P. McVey.

    Native Micronesian making a paddle with an adze for his outrigger canoe (wa) on the island of Tobi. Image courtesy of NOAA / James P. McVey.

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  • The Republic of Palau, a chain of islands at the far western end of Micronesia, consists of nine inhabited islands and more than 700 small islets in the Philippine Sea. The archipelago contains a range of geological features but, when viewed from above, it is the archipelago's many turquoise coral reefs that command attention. The island chain is comprised of 459 sq km (179 sq mi) of dry land, and approximately 525 sq km (203 sq mi) of reefs spread through the ocean. NASA's Terra satellite acquired this view of Palau on 11 December 2012. Image courtesy of NASA.
  • Another space-based view of Palau showing the southern portion of Babeldaob Island (top) and various islands to its south ending in Peleliu (bottom), the site of a fierce World War II battle. (Image courtesy of NASA.)
  • Aerial view of Jellyfish Lake on the island of Eil Malk in Palau. This view is looking west across the lake, past some small coral and rock islets around Eil Malk, and toward the Seventy Island Preserve, which is some 11.5 km (7 mi) distant. 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, mostly uninhabited islands in Palau's Southern Lagoon, between Koror and Peleliu. Millions of golden jellyfish migrate horizontally across the lake daily. Although Jellyfish Lake is connected to the ocean through fissures and tunnels, the lake is sufficiently isolated and the conditions are different enough that the diversity of species in the lake is greatly reduced from the nearby lagoon.
  • The Rock Islands are a large group of 445 uninhabited limestone islands in the Southern Lagoon of Palau between Koror and Peleliu. They are probably Palau's most outstanding scenic feature. Their aggregate area is about 42 sq km (16 sq mi) with a maximum height of 207 m (679 ft). The islands were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. Image courtesy of NOAA / James P. McVey.
  • The Rock Islands are limestone islands in Palau's Southern Lagoon, between Koror and Peleliu, that are now part of Koror State. There are 445 islands in the group with an aggregate area of about 42 sq km (16 sq mi) and a height up to 207 m (679 ft). They became a World Heritage Site in 2012. The islands are largely uninhabited and are famous for their beaches, blue lagoons, and the peculiar mushroom- or umbrella-like shapes of many of the islands.
  • Some of the Rock Islands in Palau's Southern Lagoon, between Koror and Peleliu.
  • Palauan waters.
  • Some of the Rock Islands in Palau's Southern Lagoon, between Koror and Peleliu.
  • Some of the Rock Islands in Palau's Southern Lagoon, between Koror and Peleliu.
  • Some of the Rock Islands in Palau's Southern Lagoon, between Koror and Peleliu.
  • View of Peleliu from a forest ridge showing some of the dense island vegetation.
  • Directional sign to many of the World War II Battle of Peleliu memorial sites. The battle was fought between the US and Japan from 15 September to 27 November 1944 on the Palauan island of Peleliu. US Marines of the 1st Marine Division, and later soldiers of the US Army's 81st Infantry Division, fought to capture the airstrip on the small coral island. The casualty rate exceeded that of all other US amphibious operations during the Pacific War causing the fighting there to be described as, "the bitterest battle of the war for the Marines.”
  • Beach on the southwest coast of Peleliu where the US Marines landed on 15 September 1944 at the start of the Battle of Peleliu .
  • The Peleliu War Museum is housed in a former Japanese storage bunker that was used during the Battle of Peleliu (15 September 1944 – 27 November 1944) as command post. The bunker was heavily damaged from the outside by artillery shells fired from the sea. The collection consists of many relics found on the battlefield, such as weapons, helmets, and personal belongings.
  • View of the interior of the Peleliu War Museum, which is housed in a former Japanese storage bunker that was used during the Battle of Peleliu (15 September 1944 – 27 November 1944) as command post. The bunker was heavily damaged from the outside by artillery shells fired from the sea. The collection consists of many relics found on the battlefield, such as weapons, helmets, and personal belongings.
  • Sign on the Battle of Peleliu Jungle Trail that winds through an area still littered with potentially dangerous explosives.
  • A rusting Japanese gun emplacement along the Peleliu shoreline.
  • Memorial marker to the US Army's 81st Infantry Division on Peleliu.
  • Sign at the entrance to a vast cave system carved out by Japanese defenders on Peleliu.
  • The remains of a Japanese tank starting to be overtaken by jungle foliage.
  • Sign along the Battle of Peleliu Jungle Trail.
  • US Marine Corps Medal of Honor Winners Memorial on Peleliu.
  • The rusting remains of a US tank on Peleliu.
  • War debris along the Battle of Peleliu Jungle Trail.
  • The remains of a Japanese airfield building on Peleliu.
  • Japanese defender cave position on Peleliu.
  • Japanese artillery position in a cave at Peleliu.
  • Japanese memorial on Peleliu.
  • Japanese monument on Peleliu.
  • A Tobi Island native dwelling (bai) in 1971.
  • Palau Native Palauan fishermen at sea off the island of Tobi. Few Micronesians still use traditional sailing outrigger canoes today. Image courtesy of NOAA / James P. McVey.
  • A native outrigger canoe stored in a protective boathouse on the island of Tobi. Image courtesy of NOAA / James P. McVey.
  • Native Micronesian making a paddle with an adze for his outrigger canoe (wa) on the island of Tobi. Image courtesy of NOAA / James P. McVey.

Palau Factbook Data

Diplomatic representation from the US

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires James BOUGHNER (since 9 September 2022)

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: 17.49% (male 1,966/female 1,844)

15-64 years: 71.82% (male 8,665/female 6,976)

65 years and over: 10.69% (2023 est.) (male 581/female 1,747)
2023 population pyramid
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.

Geographic coordinates

7 30 N, 134 30 E

Sex ratio

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.24 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.33 male(s)/female

total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2023 est.)

Natural hazards

typhoons (June to December)

Area - comparative

slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Area comparison map

slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Background

Humans arrived in the Palauan archipelago around 1000 B.C. from Southeast Asia 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. There were several failed attempts by Spanish Jesuit missionaries to visit the islands in the early 1700s. Spain gained some influence in the islands and administered it from the Philippines but sold Palau to Germany in 1899 after it lost 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 in 1944 was one of the bloodiest island fights of the Pacific War. Following 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 and destructive fishing practices, and overfishing; climate change contributes to rising sea level and 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

Population below poverty line

24.9% (2006) NA

Household income or consumption by percentage share

lowest 10%: NA

highest 10%: NA

Exports - commodities

computers, scrap vessels, recreational boats, scrap iron, fish, scrap copper, scrap aluminum (2021)

Exports - partners

Japan 34%, Taiwan 16%, Turkey 16%, Italy 12%, United States 9% (2021)

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 Ministry of Justice includes divisions/bureaus for public security, police functions, and maritime law enforcement (2024)

Budget

revenues: $122 million (2019 est.)

expenditures: $121 million (2019 est.)

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 Palauan meaning is "place of fermented 'mud'" ('mud' being the native name for the keyhole angelfish); the site of the new capitol (established in 2006) had been a large hill overlooking the ocean, Ngerulmud, on which women would communally gather to offer fermented angelfish to the gods

note: Ngerulmud, on Babeldaob Island, is the smallest national capital on earth by population, with only a few hundred people; the name is pronounced en-jer-al-mud; Koror, on Koror Island, with over 11,000 residents is by far the largest settlement in Palau; it served as the country's capital from independence in 1994 to 2006

Imports - commodities

refined petroleum, boat propellers, iron structures, cars, floating docks, broadcasting equipment, prefabricated buildings (2021)

Climate

tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November

Coastline

1,519 km

Constitution

history: ratified 9 July 1980, effective 1 January 1981

amendments: 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; amended several times, last in 2020

Exchange rates

the US dollar is used

Executive branch

chief of state: President Surangel WHIPPS Jr. (since 21 January 2021); Vice President Jerrlyn Uduch Sengebau SENIOR (since 21 January 2021); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Surangel WHIPPS Jr. (since 21 January 2021); Vice President Jerrlyn Uduch Sengebau SENIOR (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 3 November 2020 (next to be held on 12 November 2024)

election results:
2020: Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. elected president in second round; percent of vote - Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. (independent) 56.7%, Raynold OILUCH (independent) 43.3%

2016: Tommy REMENGESAU reelected president in the second round; percent of vote - Tommy REMENGESAU (independent) 51.3%, Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. (independent) 48.7%; Antonio BELLS elected vice president

Fiscal year

1 October - 30 September

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

Land boundaries

total: 0 km

Land use

agricultural land: 10.8% (2018 est.)

arable land: 2.2% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 4.3% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 4.3% (2018 est.)

forest: 87.6% (2018 est.)

other: 1.6% (2018 est.)

Legal system

mixed legal system of civil, common, and customary law

Literacy

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

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

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

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 War II battleground of Beliliou (Peleliu) and 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 and leaders

none

Ports and terminals

major seaport(s): Koror

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)

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 (COFA) between Palau and the US, the US is responsible for the defense of Palau and the US military is granted access to the islands, but it has not stationed any military forces there; 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 (2023)

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"

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)

Internet country code

.pw

GDP (official exchange rate)

$232.903 million (2021 est.)

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)

Urbanization

urban population: 82.4% of total population (2023)

rate of urbanization: 1.59% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
total population growth rate v. urban population growth rate, 2000-2030

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.)

National anthem

name: "Belau rekid" (Our Palau)

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

Physicians density

1.77 physicians/1,000 population (2020)

National symbol(s)

bai (native meeting house); national colors: blue, yellow

GDP - composition, by end use

household consumption: 60.5% (2016 est.)

government consumption: 27.2% (2016 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 22.7% (2016 est.)

investment in inventories: 1.9% (2016 est.)

exports of goods and services: 55.2% (2016 est.)

imports of goods and services: -67.6% (2016 est.)

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

Population distribution

most of the population is located on the southern end of the main island of Babelthuap

Electricity access

electrification - total population: 100% (2021)

National air transport system

number of registered air carriers: 1 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 1

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.)

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

Imports - partners

China 34%, United States 21%, South Korea 12%, Japan 8%, Taiwan 6% (2021)

Disputes - international

discussions on reaching agreements with Indonesia and the Philippiness on a partial EEZ boundary line continue 

Elevation

highest point: Mount Ngerchelchuus 242 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Contraceptive prevalence rate

NA

Current health expenditure

18.4% of GDP (2020)

Dependency ratios

total dependency ratio: 43.8

youth dependency ratio: 30.2

elderly dependency ratio: 13.7

potential support ratio: 7.3 (2021)

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

since 2018, Australia and Japan have provided patrol boats to Palau's Division of Marine Law Enforcement (2022)

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.)

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

T8

National heritage

total World Heritage Sites: 1 (mixed)

selected World Heritage Site locales: Rock Islands Southern Lagoon

Gross reproduction rate

0.82 (2023 est.)

Currently married women (ages 15-49)

45.6% (2023 est.)

Remittances

1.09% of GDP (2021 est.)
1% of GDP (2020 est.)
0.91% of GDP (2019 est.)

note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities

Labor force

11,610 (2016)

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)

total: 5.6% (2014)

male: NA

female: NA

Net migration rate

0.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2023 est.)

Median age

total: 35 years (2023 est.)

male: 33.9 years

female: 37 years

Debt - external

$18.38 billion (31 December 2014 est.)
$16.47 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$580.9 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Public debt

85.19% of GDP (2019 est.)
83.68% of GDP (2018 est.)
79.83% of GDP (2017 est.)

note: central government debt as a % of GDP

Total fertility rate

1.7 children born/woman (2023 est.)

Unemployment rate

1.7% (2015 est.)
4.1% (2012)

Population

21,779 (2023 est.)

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

8.8% (of GDP) (2016 est.)

Internet users

total: 6,696 (2021 est.)

percent of population: 37.2% (2021 est.)

Area

total: 459 sq km

land: 459 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Taxes and other revenues

18.16% (of GDP) (2020 est.)

note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)

$254.367 million (2021 est.)
$294.823 million (2020 est.)
$318.898 million (2019 est.)

note: data in 2017 dollars

Roadways

total: 121 km

paved: 85 km

unpaved: 36 km (2018)

Airports

3 (2024)

Infant mortality rate

total: 11 deaths/1,000 live births (2023 est.)

male: 13 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 9 deaths/1,000 live births

Telephones - mobile cellular

total subscriptions: 24,000 (2021 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 130 (2021 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

12.35% (2022 est.)
2.61% (2021 est.)
0.22% (2020 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

Real GDP per capita

$14,100 (2021 est.)
$16,400 (2020 est.)
$17,800 (2019 est.)

note: data in 2017 dollars

Broadband - fixed subscriptions

total: 1,224 (2015 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2015 est.)

Tobacco use

total: 17.6% (2020 est.)

male: 27.3% (2020 est.)

female: 7.9% (2020 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

55.3% (2016)

Death rate

8.3 deaths/1,000 population (2023 est.)

Birth rate

11.6 births/1,000 population (2023 est.)

Merchant marine

total: 427 (2023)

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

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

Telephones - fixed lines

total subscriptions: 8,000 (2022 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 44 (2021 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

total population: 74.9 years (2023 est.)

male: 71.8 years

female: 78.2 years

Real GDP growth rate

-13.72% (2021 est.)
-7.55% (2020 est.)
0.2% (2019 est.)

note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency

Industrial production growth rate

1.42% (2021 est.) NA

note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

agriculture: 3% (2016 est.)

industry: 19% (2016 est.)

services: 78% (2016 est.)

Revenue from forest resources

0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Education expenditures

6.8% of GDP (2019)

Population growth rate

0.39% (2023 est.)

Legislative branch

description: bicameral National Congress or Olbiil Era Kelulau consists of:
Senate (13 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by majority vote to serve 4-year terms)
House of Delegates (16 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 4-year terms)

elections:
Senate - last held on 3 November 2020 (next to be held in November 2024)
House of Delegates - last held on 3 November 2020 (next to be held in November 2024)

election results:
Senate - percent of vote - NA; seats - independent 13; composition as of February 2024 - men 12, women 1; percentage women 7.7%

House of Delegates - percent of vote - NA; seats - independent 16; composition as of February 2024 - men 15, women 1; percentage women 6.3%; note - total National Congress percentage women 6.9%
Sources: