Palau

Country in the Western Pacific

This article is about the country. For other uses, see Palau (disambiguation).

Not to be confused with Paelau, Palau-de-Cerdagne, Pulau, or Palau-del-Vidre.

"Belau" redirects here. For the municipality in Germany, see Belau, Schleswig-Holstein.

Republic of Palau

Beluu er a Belau (Palauan)

Flag

Seal

Anthem: Belau rekid
"Our Palau"

Show globe

Show map of Palau

Status| UN member state under a Compact of Free Association with the United States[1]
Capital| Ngerulmud
7°30′N 134°37′E﻿ / ﻿7.500°N 134.617°E﻿ / 7.500; 134.617
Largest city| Koror
7°20′N 134°29′E﻿ / ﻿7.333°N 134.483°E﻿ / 7.333; 134.483
Official languages|

* Palauan
* English

Recognized regional languages|

* Japanese
* Sonsorolese
* Tobian

Ethnic groups

(2020 census[2])

* 65.2% Palauan
* 31.6% Asian
* 1.2% Carolinian
* 1.0% European
* 0.9% other

Religion

(2020 census)[2]

* 78.7% Christianity
* 10.1% no religion
* 5.1% Modekngei
* 4.9% Islam
* 1.2% other

Demonym(s)| Palauan
Government| Unitary presidential republic under a non-partisan democracy

• President

| Surangel Whipps Jr.

• Vice President

| Raynold Oilouch
Legislature| Palau National Congress

• Upper house

| Senate

• Lower house

| House of Delegates
Independence

from the United States and Micronesia

• Trusteeship

| 18 July 1947

• Constitution

| 2 April 1979

• Establishment of the Republic of Palau

| 1 January 1981

• Compact of Free Association

| 1 October 1994
Area

• Total

| 459 km2 (177 sq mi) (180th)

• Water (%)

| negligible
Population

• 2021 estimate

| 18,024[3][4] (192nd)

• 2021[5] census

| 16,766

• Density

| 38.375/km2 (99.4/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)| 2024 estimate

• Total

|  $308 million[6]

• Per capita

|  $18,209[6] (81st)
GDP (nominal)| 2024 estimate

• Total

|  $322 million[6]

• Per capita

|  $17,448[6]
HDI (2022)|  0.797[7]
high (71st)
Currency| United States dollar (USD)
Time zone| UTC+9 (PWT)

• Summer (DST)

| not observed
Date format| mm/dd/yyyy[8]
Calling code| +680
ISO 3166 code| PW
Internet TLD| .pw

Website
PalauGov.pw

1. GDP estimate includes US subsidy (2004 estimate).

Palau,[a] officially the Republic of Palau,[b][9] is an island country in the Micronesia subregion of Oceania in the western Pacific Ocean. The Republic of Palau consists of approximately 340 islands and is the western part of the Caroline Islands, while the eastern and central parts make up the Federated States of Micronesia.

It has a total area of 466 square kilometers (180 sq mi), making it the sixteenth smallest country in the world.[10] The most populous island is Koror, home to the country's most populous city of the same name. The capital, Ngerulmud, is located on the largest island of Babeldaob, in Melekeok State. Palau shares maritime boundaries with international waters to the north, the Federated States of Micronesia to the east, Indonesia to the south, and the Philippines to the northwest.

The country was originally settled approximately 3,000 years BP by migrants from Maritime Southeast Asia.[11][12] Palau was first drawn on a European map by the Bohemian missionary Paul Klein[13] based on a description given by a group of Palauans shipwrecked on the Philippine coast on Samar. The Palau islands were made part of the Spanish East Indies in 1885. Following Spain's defeat in the Spanish–American War in 1898, the islands were sold to Germany in 1899 under the terms of the German–Spanish Treaty, where they were administered as part of German New Guinea.

After World War I, the islands were made a part of the Japanese-ruled South Seas Mandate by the League of Nations. During World War II, skirmishes including the major Battle of Peleliu were fought between American and Japanese troops as part of the Mariana and Palau Islands campaign. Along with other Pacific Islands, Palau was made a part of the United States-governed Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands in 1947. Having voted in a referendum against joining the Federated States of Micronesia in 1978,[14][15] the islands gained full sovereignty in 1994 under a Compact of Free Association with the United States.

Politically, Palau is a presidential republic in free association with the United States, which provides defense, funding, and access to social services. Legislative power is concentrated in the bicameral Palau National Congress. Palau's economy is based mainly on tourism, subsistence agriculture, and 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 mixed Micronesian, Melanesian, and Austronesian descent. A smaller proportion of the population is of Japanese descent. The country's two official languages are Palauan (a member of the Austronesian language family) and English, with Japanese, Sonsorolese, and Tobian recognized as regional languages.

## Etymology

[edit]

Carved stone face at Badrulchau, 2nd century AD

The name for the islands in the Palauan language, Belau, derives from the Palauan word for "village", beluu (thus ultimately from Proto-Austronesian *banua),[16] or from aibebelau ("indirect replies"), relating to a creation myth.[17] The name "Palau" originated in the Spanish Los Palaos, eventually entering English via the German Palau. An archaic name for the islands in English was the "Pelew Islands".[18] The name of the country "Palau" is most likely not derived from the Malay word "Pulau," despite the similarity in its word form. In Malay, "pulau" means "island," which is also a geographical characteristic of Palau as an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean.

## 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
>  First Philippine Republic January 23–February 12, 1899
>  German Empire (German New Guinea) 1899–1914
>  Empire of Japan (South Seas Mandate) 1914–1944
>  United States 1944–1962
>  United Nations (Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands) 1947–1965
>  United Nations (Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands) 1965–1979
>  Federated States of Micronesia 1979–1981
>  Palau 1981–present

### Early history

[edit]

Manila galleon in the Marianas and Carolinas, c. 1590 Boxer Codex

Palau was originally settled between the 3rd and 2nd millennia BCE by Austronesian peoples, most likely from what is now the Philippines or Indonesia.[19] Sonsorol was sighted by the Spanish as early as 1522, when the Spanish mission of the Trinidad, the flagship of Ferdinand Magellan's voyage of circumnavigation, sighted two small islands around the 5th parallel north, naming them "San Juan".[20]

In December 1696, a group of sailors from the Caroline Islands were stranded on Samar, near Guiuan, when they met European missionary Paul 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 to Jesuit Superior General, along with a letter detailing the names of the islands, the culture of the people, and his experiences with them.[21]

### Spanish era

[edit]

Main articles: New Spain, Captaincy General of the Philippines, and Spanish East Indies

An 1888 map showing the Palau Islands of the Spanish East Indies (excluding the Philippine Islands) Village on the Palau Islands, painting by Rudolf Hellgrewe c. 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 from Spanish Philippines in 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 ship Santísima Trinidad was driven to Mindanao by a storm. Another ship was sent from Guam in 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 name Islas Encantadas (Enchanted Islands).[22]

### Transitions era

[edit]

Palau in Japanese mandate

British traders became regular visitors to Palau in the 18th century (the British East India Company packet ship Antelope shipwrecked off Ulong Island in 1783, leading to Prince Lee Boo's visit to London), followed by expanding Spanish influence in the 19th century. Palau, under the name Palaos, was included in the Malolos Congress in 1898, the first revolutionary congress in the Philippines, which wanted full independence from colonialists. Palau was part of the Spanish East Indies headquartered in the Spanish Philippines. Palau had one appointed member to the Congress, becoming the only group of islands in the entire Caroline Islands granted 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.[23]

Later in 1899 as part of the Caroline Islands, Palau was sold by the Spanish Empire to the German Empire as part of German New Guinea in the German–Spanish Treaty (1899). During World War I, the Japanese Empire annexed the islands after seizing them from Germany in 1914. Following World War I, the League of Nations formally placed the islands under Japanese administration as part of the South Seas Mandate. In World War II, Palau was used by Japan to support its 1941 invasion of the Philippines, which succeeded in 1942. The invasion overthrew the American-installed Commonwealth government in the Philippines and installed the Japanese-backed Second Philippine Republic in 1943.[24]

### United States era

[edit]

During World War II, the United States captured Palau from Japan in 1944 after the costly Battle of Peleliu, when more than 2,000 Americans and 10,000 Japanese were killed, and later the Battle of Angaur. In 1945–1946, the United States re-established control of the Philippines and managed Palau through the Philippine capital of Manila. By the latter half of 1946, however, the Philippines was granted full independence with the formation of the Third Republic of the Philippines, shifting the U.S. Far West Pacific capital to Guam. Palau was passed formally to the United States under United Nations auspices in 1947 as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands established pursuant to Security Council Resolution 21.[citation needed][25][26]

### Independence

[edit]

TTPI High Commissioner and staff, 1960s

Four of the Trust Territory districts joined and formed the Federated States of Micronesia in 1979, but the districts of Palau and the Marshall Islands voted 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.[27] It signed a Compact of Free Association with the United States in 1982. In the same year, Palau became one of the founding members of the Nauru Agreement. The compact entered into force on 1 October 1994,[28] concluding Palau's transition from trusteeship to independence[29] as the last portion of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands to secure its independence pursuant to Security Council Resolution 956. Palau also became a member of the Pacific Islands Forum but withdrew in February 2021 after a dispute regarding Henry Puna's election as the forum's secretary-general.[30][31] Legislation making Palau an "offshore" financial center was passed by the U.S. Senate in 1998.[32]

In 2005, Palau led the Micronesia 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 first shark sanctuary, banning commercial shark fishing within its waters. In 2012, the Rock Islands of Palau was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.[33]

In 2015, Palau became a member of the Climate Vulnerable Forum under 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.[34] The protection of its water resources made significant increases in the country's economy in less than two years.[35] In 2017, it became the first state in the world to establish an eco-promise, known as the Palau Pledge, which is stamped on local and foreign passports.[36] In 2018, Palau and the Philippines began re-connecting their economic and diplomatic relations. The Philippines supported Palau to become an observer state in ASEAN.

## Politics and government

[edit]

Main article: Politics of Palau

Capitol of Palau, the seat of government

Palau is a democratic republic. The President of Palau is both head of state and head of government. Executive power is exercised by the government, while legislative power is vested in both the government and the Palau National Congress. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. Palau adopted a constitution in 1981.

The Compact of Free Association between the United States and Palau[37] sets forth the free and voluntary association of their governments. It primarily focuses on the issues of government, economic, security, and defense relations.[38] Palau has no independent military, relying on the United States for its defense. Under the compact, the American military was granted access to the islands for 50 years. The U.S. Navy role is minimal, limited to a handful of Navy Seabees (construction engineers).[citation needed] The U.S. Coast Guard patrols in national waters. The government has agreed to host a large United States Air Force high-frequency radar station in Palau, an over-the-horizon-radar system costing well over $100 million, which is expected to be operational in 2026.[39][40]

In November 2020, Surangel Whipps Jr was elected as the new President of Palau to succeed President Tommy Remengesau.[41]

### Foreign relations

[edit]

As a sovereign state, Palau conducts its own foreign relations.[29] 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, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 963 recommending Palau's admission to the United Nations. The United Nations General Assembly approved admission for Palau pursuant to Resolution 49/63 on 15 December 1994.[42] 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.[43] Taiwan has provided financial support for Palau to maintain a presence at international fora, including the United Nations and United Nations Climate Change Conference.[44]

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's Office of Insular Affairs.[45][failed verification] For example, as part of this compact, Palau was granted ZIP Codes 96939 and 96940, along with regular U.S. Mail delivery. In international politics, Palau often votes in tandem with the United States on United Nations General Assembly resolutions.[46]

Palau has maintained close ties with Japan, which has funded infrastructure projects, including the Koror–Babeldaob Bridge. In 2015, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited Peleliu to honor the 70th anniversary of World War II.[47]

In 1981, Palau voted for the world's first nuclear-free constitution. This constitution banned the use, storage, and disposal of nuclear, toxic chemical, gas, and biological weapons without first being approved by a 75 percent majority in a referendum.[48] This ban delayed Palau's transition to independence because while negotiating the compact, the U.S. insisted on the option to operate nuclear-propelled vessels and store nuclear weapons within the territory,[49] prompting campaigns for independence.[50] In 2017, Palau signed the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.[51]

Palau is a member of the Nauru Agreement for the Management of Fisheries.[52] The Philippines, a neighboring ally of Palau to the west has expressed its intent to back Palau if ever it wishes to join ASEAN.[53]

In June 2009, Palau announced that it would accept up to seventeen Uyghurs who had previously been detained by the American military at Guantanamo Bay,[54] with some American compensation for the cost of their upkeep.[55] Only one of the Uyghurs initially agreed to resettlement,[56] but by the end of October, six of the seventeen had been transferred to Palau.[57] An aid agreement with the United States, finalized in January 2010, was reported to be unrelated to the Uyghur agreement.[58]

### 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, and Malakal Islands, plus the Rock Islands (Chelbacheb) and Eil Malk to 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, and Merir Islands
Hatohobei | 0.9  | 25  | 39  | Comprises Tobi Island and (uninhabited) Helen Reef

Historically, Palau's Rock Islands have been part of the State of Koror.

### Maritime law enforcement

[edit]

The Euatel, Kabekl M'tal and Bul provide littoral fishery protection.[59]

Palau's Division of Marine Law Enforcement patrols the nation's 600,000 square kilometers (230,000 square miles) exclusive economic zone. They operate two long-range patrol boats, the Kedam and the Remeliik II, to hunt for poachers and unlicensed fishermen.[60][61][62] Smaller boats are used for littoral operations.[59] They are based on Koror.[63]

### Political economy

[edit]

In the view of Islands Society president 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.[64] 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.[65] 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 facto protectorate or 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.[66]

## 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 are Angaur, Babeldaob, Koror and Peleliu. The latter three lie together within the same barrier reef, while Angaur is an oceanic island several kilometers to the south. About two-thirds of the population lives on Koror. The coral atoll of Kayangel is north of these islands, while the uninhabited Rock Islands (about 200) are west of the main island group. A remote group of six islands, known as the Southwest Islands, some 604 kilometers (375 miles) from the main islands, make up the states of Hatohobei and Sonsorol.

### Climate

[edit]

Palau has a tropical rainforest climate with 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 significant tropical cyclones are quite rare. Mike, Bopha and Haiyan are the only systems that struck Palau as typhoons on record.[67]

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 monthly sunshine 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[68]

### Environment

[edit]

Aerial view of Ngerukewid Aerial view of Rock Islands Rock Islands in Palau An aerial view of limestone islands

Palau has a history of strong environmental conservation. For example, Ngerukewid and the surrounding area are protected under the Ngerukewid Islands Wildlife Preserve, which was established in 1956.[69] While much of Palau remains free of environmental degradation, areas of concern include illegal dynamite fishing, inadequate solid waste disposal facilities in Koror, and extensive sand and coral dredging in the Palau lagoon.

As with other Pacific island states, rising sea level presents a major environmental threat. However, according to the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research average carbon dioxide emissions per person were 60 tonnes in 2019, the highest in the world, and mostly from transport.[70][clarification needed] Inundation of low-lying areas threatens coastal vegetation, agriculture, and an already insufficient water supply. Wastewater treatment is a problem, along with the handling of toxic waste from fertilizers and biocides.

One species of saltwater crocodile, Crocodylus porosus, is indigenous to Palau, occurring in varying numbers throughout the mangroves and 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.[71] 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.[72]

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% of forest land by 2020. Following Palau, the initiative was joined by the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and the US territories of Guam and Northern Mariana Islands. Together, this combined region represents nearly 5% of the marine area of the Pacific Ocean and 7% of its coastline.

Palau contains the Palau tropical moist forests terrestrial ecoregion.[73] It had a 2019 Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 8.09/10, ranking it 27th globally out of 172 countries.[74] The country is vulnerable to earthquakes, volcanic activity, and tropical storms.

### Shark sanctuary

[edit]

On 25 September 2009, Palau announced that it would create the world's first shark sanctuary.[75] Palau banned all commercial shark fishing within the waters of its exclusive economic zone. The sanctuary protects about 600,000 square kilometers (230,000 sq mi) of ocean,[76] a similar size to France.[77][78][79] President Johnson Toribiong announced the sanctuary at a meeting of the United Nations.[77][80][81] Toribiong proposed a worldwide ban on fishing for sharks.[77] In 2012, Palau received the Future Policy Award from World Future Council, because "Palau is a global leader in protecting marine ecosystems".[82]

## Economy

[edit]

Main article: Economy of Palau

The artificially made German Channel is one of the most popular dive sites. It is also a major transport route for boats that connects the lagoon to the Pacific Ocean in the south-west. Aerial view of Koror–Babeldaob Bridge in 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 its barrier reefs' walls and World War II wrecks. In April 2022, Palau launched Ol'au Palau, a responsible tourism program aimed to preserve the country's natural environment and traditional culture.[83] 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.[84]

The population enjoys a per capita income twice that of Micronesia as a whole. Long-term prospects for the key tourist sector have been greatly bolstered by the expansion of air travel in the Pacific 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 Bank officially announced bankruptcy. On 13 December 2006, the Palau Horizon reported that 641 depositors had been affected. Among them, 398 held less than US$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 from Taiwan." 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.[85]

The income tax has three brackets with progressive rates of 9.3 percent, 15 percent, and 19.6 percent respectively. Corporate tax is 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.[86] There are no property taxes.

Major tourist draws in Palau include Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,[87] and four tentative UNESCO sites, namely, Ouballang ra Ngebedech (Ngebedech Terraces), Imeong Conservation Area, Yapease Quarry Sites, and Tet el Bad (Stone Coffin).[88]

## 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.[89] There are no dermatologists or ophthalmologists (eye specialists) in Palau.[90] VEGF drugs for diabetic eye diseases cannot be given for eye conditions so laser surgery is done by visiting American ophthalmologists.[90] Belau National Hospital cannot treat certain brain hemorrhages necessitating emergency airlift to Taiwan.[91]

## Transportation

[edit]

Palau International Airport

Palau International Airport provides scheduled direct flights with Guam (Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport), Manila (Ninoy Aquino International Airport), and Taipei (Taoyuan International Airport). In addition, the states of Angaur and Peleliu have regular service to domestic destinations. Air service has at times been spotty. Palau Micronesia Air, Asian Spirit and Pacific Flier provided service to the Philippines and other destinations at various times during the 2000s, but all suspended service.[92] United Airlines provides near-daily service to and from Guam, and once-weekly service to Yap. Also, Korean Air provides service three times per week to Incheon. Two to four times per week , China Airlines provides service between Koror and Taipei, Taiwan.

In May 2024, Nauru Airlines started direct weekly flights to Brisbane, 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.[93]

Freight, military, and cruise ships often call at Malaehaka Harbor, on Malakal Island outside 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[94] between islands as a cheaper alternative.

## Demographics

[edit]

Main article: Demographics of Palau

Historical populationYear| Pop.| ±%

|
|

1958 | 8,987| —
1970 | 11,210| +24.7%
1980 | 12,116| +8.1%
1990 | 15,122| +24.8%
1995 | 17,225| +13.9%
2000 | 19,129| +11.1%
2005 | 19,907| +4.1%
2015 | 17,661| −11.3%
2020 | 17,614| −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),[95] 73% of whom are native Palauans of mixed Melanesian and Austronesian descent. There are many Asian communities within Palau. Filipinos form the largest Asian group and second largest ethnic group in the country, dating back to the Spanish colonial period. There are significant numbers of Chinese and Koreans. There are also smaller numbers of Palauans of mixed or full Japanese 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.[96] There are also small numbers of Europeans and Americans.

### Languages

[edit]

The official languages of Palau are Palauan and English, except in two states (Sonsorol and Hatohobei) where the local languages, Sonsorolese and Tobian, respectively, along with Palauan, are official. Japanese is spoken by some older[citation needed] Palauans, and is an official language in Angaur.[97][98] 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 dialect influenced by Philippine English is developing.

### Religion

[edit]

Main article: Religion in Palau

According to the 2020 census, 46.9% of the population is Roman Catholic, 25.9% Protestant (primarily evangelical), 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.[2]

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), while Modekngei (a combination of Christianity, traditional Palauan religion and fortune telling) and the ancient Palauan religion are commonly observed. Japanese rule brought Mahayana Buddhism and Shinto to 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.[99] There are approximately 400 Bengali Muslims.

## Culture

[edit]

See also: Music of Palau

A traditional Palauan bai in 2012

Palauan society follows a very strict matrilineal system. 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 as cassava, taro, yam, potato, fish and pork. It is also heavily influenced by Japanese, American, and Filipino cuisine, because of the significant presence of Filipino migrant workers. Fruit bat soup is a Palauan delicacy.[100] Some local drinks include an alcoholic drink made from a coconut on the tree; a drink made from the roots of the kava; and the chewing of betel nuts. A dessert called tama was developed in Palau.[101]

### Traditional government

[edit]

Main article: Traditional chiefs of Palau

### Newspapers

[edit]

Palau has several newspapers:[102][103]

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

### Sports

[edit]

Baseball has been popular in Palau since its introduction to the country in the 1920s by the Japanese. The Palau national baseball team won the gold medal at the 1990, 1998 and 2010 Micronesian Games, as well as at the 2007 Pacific Games. On 20 June 2022, left fielder Bligh Madris played his first game for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Chicago Cubs, thus becoming the first person of Palauan descent to play in the MLB. Palau has a national football team, organized by the Palau Football Association, but is not a member of FIFA. The association organizes the Palau Soccer League.

The Belau Omal Marathon began in 2023 as a partnership between Palau and Taiwan.

## Education

[edit]

Primary education is required until age 16. Schools include both public (including Palau High School) and private institutions as well as some fields of study available at Palau 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 through San Diego State University and the University of the South Pacific.[104]

## See also

[edit]

* Geography portal
* Islands portal
* Oceania portal

* Index of Palau-related articles
* Outline of Palau

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Compacts of Free Association – United States Department of the Interior
2. ^ a b c 2020 Census of Population and Housing of the Republic of Palau (PDF) (Report). Vol. I Basic Tables. Koror, Palau: Office of Planning and Statistics. August 2022. Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 November 2023. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
3. ^ "World Population Prospects 2022". United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
4. ^ "World Population Prospects 2022: Demographic indicators by region, subregion and country, annually for 1950–2100" (XSLX) ("Total Population, as of 1 July (thousands)"). United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
5. ^ "Health Statistics – PalauGov.pw".
6. ^ a b c d "Palau". imf.org. Archived from the original on 19 January 2020. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
7. ^ "Human Development Report 2023/24" (PDF). United Nations Development Programme. 13 March 2024. Archived (PDF) from the original on 13 March 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
8. ^ Government documents use mm/dd/yyyy format. "Pay-period Schedule for Calendar 2025" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 March 2025.
9. ^ Constitution of Palau Archived 26 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine. (PDF). palauembassy.com. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
10. ^ "2015 Statistical Yearbook" (PDF). Republic of Palau Bureau of Budget and Planning Ministry of Finance. 1 February 2016. Archived from the original on 11 March 2023. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
11. ^ Clark, Geoffrey; Anderson, Atholl; Wright, Duncan (2006). "Human Colonization of the Palau Islands, Western Micronesia". Journal of Island & Coastal Archaeology. 1 (2): 215–232\. doi:10.1080/15564890600831705. S2CID 129261271.
12. ^ Smith, Alexander D. (2017). "The Western Malayo-Polynesian Problem". Oceanic Linguistics. 56 (2). University of Hawaiʻi Press: 435–490\. doi:10.1353/ol.2017.0021. JSTOR 26408513. S2CID 149377092.
13. ^ Francis X. Hezel, SJ. "Catholic Missions in the Carolines and Marshall Islands". Archived from the original on 28 November 2017. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
14. ^ Ming-chao, Tang (25 September 1978). "Referendum on the draft constitution for the Federated States of Micronesia, July 1978" (PDF). United Nations. p. 5\. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 June 2021. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
15. ^ Nakayama, Tosiwo; Henry, Bethwel (14 September 1978). "Letter to the United Nations" (PDF). United Nations. pp. 8–10\. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 June 2021. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
16. ^ Blust, Robert; Trussel, Stephen (2010). "*banua: inhabited land, territory supporting the life of a community". Austronesian Comparative Dictionary. Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. Archived from the original on 28 November 2022. Retrieved 29 November 2022.
17. ^ "The Bais of Belau". Underwater Colours. Archived from the original on 21 July 2016. Retrieved 25 May 2012.
18. ^ Etpison, Mandy (1994). "About Palau". Palau – Portrait of Paradise. Neco Marine Corp. ISBN 9780963787507. Archived from the original on 19 April 2001. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
19. ^ "Palau". histclo.com. Archived from the original on 25 December 2022. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
20. ^ "Palau Ships". micsem.org. Archived from the original on 10 May 2012. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
21. ^ Hezel, Francis X.; Valle, Maria Teresa Del (1972). "Early European Contact with the Western Carolines: 1525-1750". The Journal of Pacific History. 7: 26–44\. doi:10.1080/00223347208572199. ISSN 0022-3344. JSTOR 25168089. Archived from the original on 25 April 2024. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
22. ^ "Catholic Missions in the Carolines and Marshall Islands". micsem.org. Archived from the original on 28 November 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
23. ^ Balabo, Dino (10 December 2006). "Historians: Malolos Congress produced best RP Constitution". Philippine Star. Archived from the original on 12 November 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
24. ^ Perkins, Dorothy (1997). Japan Goes to War: A Chronology of Japanese Military Expansion from the Meiji Era to the Attack on Pearl Harbor (1868–1941). DIANE Publishing. p. 166\. ISBN 9780788134272. "Admiral Takeo Takagi led the Philippines support force to Palau, an island 800 kilometers (500 miles) east of the southern Philippines where he waited to join the attack."
25. ^ Year: 1947), UN Security Council (2nd (1964), Resolution 21 (1947) /: [adopted by the Security Council at its 124th meeting], of 2 April 1947.`{{citation}}`: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
26. ^ "Security Council Resolution 21 – UNSCR". unscr.com. Retrieved 10 March 2025.
27. ^ "Pacific Island Battleground Now the Republic of Belau". Bangor, Maine, USA. Associated Press. 23 January 1981. Archived from the original on 11 March 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
28. ^ "Palau Gains Independence on Saturday". Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Associated Press. 30 September 1994. Archived from the original on 11 March 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
29. ^ a b "Compact of Free Association: Palau's use of and accountability for U.S. assistance and prospects for economic self-sufficiency" (PDF). Report to Congressional Committees. GAO-08-732: 1–2\. 10 June 2008. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 November 2022. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
30. ^ Cave, Damien (5 February 2021). "Pacific Islands' Most Important Megaphone Falls Into Discord". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 9 February 2021. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
31. ^ "Key Pacific body in crisis as Palau walks out". France 24. 5 February 2021. Archived from the original on 5 February 2021. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
32. ^ "Palau (11/03)". U.S. Department of State. Archived from the original on 12 November 2022. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
33. ^ Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. "Palau – UNESCO World Heritage Centre". UNESCO. Archived from the original on 27 December 2019. Retrieved 26 December 2019.
34. ^ "Tiny Island Nation's Enormous New Ocean Reserve is Official". 28 October 2015. Archived from the original on 20 March 2018. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
35. ^ "This Small Island Nation Makes a Big Case For Protecting Our Oceans". 3 April 2017. Archived from the original on 20 March 2018. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
36. ^ "Pacific island forces visitors to sign eco-pledge". South China Morning Post. 8 December 2017. Archived from the original on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
37. ^ Compact of Free Association Between the Government of the United States of America and the government of Palau Archived 6 October 2011 at the Wayback Machine, preamble
38. ^ Compact of Free Association Between the Government of the United States of America and the government of Palau Archived 6 October 2011 at the Wayback Machine, Table of Contents
39. ^ Marrow, Michael (5 May 2022). "Air Force eyes new radar installation in Palau". Inside Defense. Archived from the original on 4 January 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2023.
40. ^ Helfrich, Emma; Rogoway, Tyler (30 December 2022). "U.S. Building Advanced Over-The-Horizon Radar On Palau". The Drive. Archived from the original on 4 January 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2023.
41. ^ "Surangel Whipps Jr to be Palau's new president". RNZ.co.nz. 6 November 2020. Archived from the original on 11 March 2023. Retrieved 24 August 2021.
42. ^ United Nations General Assembly Resolution 49/63, Admission of the Republic of Palau to Membership in the United Nations, adopted 15 December 1994 Archived 25 May 2017 at the Wayback Machine. United Nations. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
43. ^ "The President of the Republic of Palau to Visit Japan". Tokyo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. 15 December 2014. Archived from the original on 11 March 2023. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
44. ^ Judah, Jacob (2 June 2024). "A Pacific Island With Ties to Taiwan Was Hacked. Was It Political?". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
45. ^ "Responsibilities and Authorities". USDOI Office of Insular Affairs. 24 October 2007. Archived from the original on 24 October 2007. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
46. ^ General Assembly – Overall Votes – Comparison with U.S. vote Archived 8 April 2021 at the Wayback Machine lists Palau as in the country with the third high coincidence of votes. Palau has always been in the top three.
47. ^ Fackler, Martin (9 April 2015). "Ahead of World War II Anniversary, Questions Linger Over Stance of Japan's Premier". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 7 January 2023. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
48. ^ "The Constitution of the Republic of Palau". The Government of Palau. 2 April 1979. Archived from the original on 11 November 2022. Retrieved 1 November 2009.
49. ^ "Issues Associated. With Palau's Transition to Self-Government" (PDF). Government Accountability Office. July 1989. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 September 2009. Retrieved 1 November 2009.
50. ^ Morei, Cita (1998), "Planting the mustard seed of world peace", in de Ishtar, Zohl (ed.), Pacific women speak out for independence and denuclearisation, Christchurch, Aotearoa/New Zealand Annandale, New South Wales, Australia: Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (Aotearoa) Disarmament and Security Centre (Aotearoa) Pacific Connections, ISBN 9780473056667
51. ^ "Chapter XXVI: Disarmament – No. 9 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons". United Nations Treaty Collection. 7 July 2017. Archived from the original on 30 December 2022. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
52. ^ "Pacific nations extend bans on tuna fishing". Radio Australia. East West Center. 5 October 2010. Archived from the original on 12 November 2022. Retrieved 6 October 2010.
53. ^ "PH, Palau agree to enhance ties". Manila Bulletin. 16 February 2018. Archived from the original on 22 December 2019. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
54. ^ "Pacific state Palau to take Uighur detainees". CTV News. 10 June 2009. Archived from the original on 1 January 2013. Retrieved 11 June 2009.
55. ^ Kirit Radia (10 June 2009). "US and Palau wrangling over Gitmo transfer details, including $$". ABC News. Archived from the original on 14 July 2009.
56. ^ "Palau Government still not sure if Uighurs are coming". Radio New Zealand International. 30 June 2009. Archived from the original on 4 September 2011. Retrieved 1 July 2009.
57. ^ "Six Guantanamo Uighurs arrive in Palau: US". Agence France-Presse. 31 October 2009. Archived from the original on 24 May 2012.
58. ^ "Palau receives aid boost from US". australianetworknews.com. 30 January 2010. Archived from the original on 11 May 2011. "The president insisted there was no link to the island's hosting of six inmates from Guantanamo Bay. Palau had earlier rejected a 156 million dollar offer and the settlement came after the island nation agreed to resettle six Muslim Uighurs who had been held for more than seven years at the US naval base at Guantanamo Bay. The six arrived in Palau in November. But Johnson said the two issues were not related."
59. ^ a b L.N. Reklai (25 April 2017). ""Euatel" patrol boat handover today". islandtimes.us. Archived from the original on 23 April 2018. Retrieved 22 April 2018. "This is third in the series of patrol boats of this size donated by The Nippon Foundation to Palau. Kabekl M'tal was donated in 2012 and Bul was donated in 2014."
60. ^ Ongerung Kambes Kesolei, Tia Belau (22 December 2017). "Palau Gets New Patrol Boat". www.pacificnote.com/. Archived from the original on 23 April 2018. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
61. ^ "Operation Kaukledm". 8 May 2017. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
62. ^ Bernadette H. Carreon (3 March 2016). "Palau's maritime surveillance gets boost with new patrol boat". www.postguam.com. Koror, Palau. Retrieved 22 April 2018. "Palau currently has a lone patrol boat, PSS H.I Remeliik, that is about 31.5 meters long. The Remeliik was donated by the Australian government in 1996. The vessel is scheduled to get an upgrade funded by the Australian government by 2018."
63. ^ Urbina, Ian (21 February 2016), "Palau vs the Poachers", The New York Times Magazine, pp. 40–49, archived from the original on 20 April 2018, retrieved 23 April 2018, "Nearly 9,000 miles [14,000 km] away, the Remeliik, a police patrol ship from the tiny island nation Palau, was pursuing a 10-man Taiwanese pirate ship, the Shin Jyi Chyuu 33, through Palauan waters."
64. ^ "Rethinking Palau's Place in the Free and Open Indo-Pacific". thediplomat.com. Archived from the original on 4 October 2021. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
65. ^ "Palau's president urges the UN to include Taiwan – Taipei Times". Taipei Times. 23 September 2021. Archived from the original on 4 October 2021. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
66. ^ Mita, Takashi (4 October 2021). Political futures of small-scale island-states in Pacific islands: Global dynamics and state-making in the Republic of Palau (PhD dissertation). University of Hawaiʻi. ProQuest 304894523. Archived from the original on 26 March 2022. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
67. ^ Kitamoto, Asanobu. "Tracking Chart Latitude 7.40N / Longitude 134.50E (±1)". Digital Typhoon. Archived from the original on 12 November 2022. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
68. ^ "Climatological Information for Palau Islands, Pacific Islands, United States". Hong Kong Observatory. Archived from the original on 1 October 2018. Retrieved 20 May 2011.
69. ^ Wiles, Gary J.; Conry, Paul J. (1990). "Terrestrial vertebrates of the Ngerukewid Islands Wildlife Preserve, Palau Islands". Micronesica. 23 (1): 41–66.
70. ^ Monforti-Ferrario, F.; Oreggioni, G.; Schaaf, E.; Guizzardi, D.; Olivier, J.G.J.; Solazzo, E.; Lo Vullo, E.; Crippa, M.; Muntean, M.; Vignati, E. (26 September 2019). Fossil CO2 and GHG emissions of all world countries: 2019 report. Publications Office of the European Union. ISBN 9789276111009. Archived from the original on 8 September 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2020 – via op.europa.eu.
71. ^ Messel, H.; King, F.W. (1992). "Survey of the crocodile populations of the Republic of Palau, Caroline Islands, Pacific Ocean, 8–24 June 1991: A report to the Government of the Republic of Palau Koror, Palau.". Proceedings of the 11th Working Meeting of the Crocodile Specialist Group of the Species Survival Commission of the IUCN – The World Conservation Union. Vol. 1\. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN – The World Conservation Union. ISBN 9789820400115. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
72. ^ Webb, Grahame J.W.; Manolis, S. Charlie; Brien, Matthew L. (2010). "Saltwater Crocodile Crocodylus porosus" (PDF). In Manolis, S.C.; Stevenson, C. (eds.). Crocodiles. Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan (third ed.). Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia: Crocodile Specialist Group. pp. 99–113\. Archived (PDF) from the original on 20 July 2021. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
73. ^ Dinerstein, Eric; et al. (2017). "An Ecoregion-Based Approach to Protecting Half the Terrestrial Realm". BioScience. 67 (6): 534–545\. doi:10.1093/biosci/bix014. ISSN 0006-3568. PMC 5451287. PMID 28608869.
74. ^ Grantham, H. S.; et al. (2020). "Anthropogenic modification of forests means only 40% of remaining forests have high ecosystem integrity – Supplementary Material". Nature Communications. 11 (1): 5978. Bibcode:2020NatCo..11.5978G. doi:10.1038/s41467-020-19493-3. ISSN 2041-1723. PMC 7723057. PMID 33293507.
75. ^ "Palau creates world's first shark haven". The Philippine Star. 26 September 2009. Archived from the original on 4 January 2013. Retrieved 28 September 2009.
76. ^ Richard Black (25 September 2009). "Palau pioneers 'shark sanctuary'". BBC News. Archived from the original on 1 October 2009. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
77. ^ a b c "Palau's EEZ becomes shark sanctuary". Xinhua News Agency. 27 September 2009. Archived from the original on 30 September 2009. Retrieved 28 September 2009.
78. ^ Sophie Tedmanson (26 September 2009). "World's first shark sanctuary created by Pacific island of Palau". The Times. London. Archived from the original on 11 November 2022. Retrieved 28 September 2009.
79. ^ Ker Than (25 September 2009). "France-Size Shark Sanctuary Created – A First". National Geographic. Archived from the original on 10 January 2023. Retrieved 28 September 2009.
80. ^ "Palau creates shark sanctuary to protect tourism and prevent overfishing". Radio New Zealand. 27 September 2009. Archived from the original on 11 November 2022. Retrieved 28 September 2009.
81. ^ Cornelia Dean (24 September 2009). "Palau to Ban Shark Fishing". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 11 November 2022. Retrieved 28 September 2009.
82. ^ "Tiny Nation of Palau Proves Sharks Worth More Alive Than Dead". Jakarta Globe. 22 October 2012. Archived from the original on 27 October 2012.
83. ^ Footer, Mark (13 April 2022). "Being a sustainable tourist earns special rewards in this island country". South China Morning Post. Hong Kong. Archived from the original on 13 December 2022. Retrieved 1 May 2022.
84. ^ Veuillemey, Guillaume (13 November 2020), Evading Corporate Responsibilities: Evidence from the Shipping Industry, doi:10.2139/ssrn.3691188, S2CID 226364450, SSRN 3691188, archived from the original on 18 November 2022, retrieved 18 November 2022
85. ^ 李光儀、王光慈. "帛琉銀行倒閉 賠償存戶竟由台灣埋單 (Taiwan pay for the bill of compensation for PSB bankruptcy)". udn.com Center. Archived from the original on 24 December 2010. Retrieved 20 December 2010.
86. ^ "Palau Tax Reform – PalauGov.pw". palaugov.pw. Archived from the original on 14 February 2023. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
87. ^ Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. "Rock Islands Southern Lagoon". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 14 April 2019. Retrieved 14 April 2019.
88. ^ Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. "Palau". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 14 April 2019. Retrieved 14 April 2019.
89. ^ Thong, Haw-Yueh; Wu, Chung-Kuan; Lin, Ching-Hwa; Lo, Te-Yu; Huang, Chieh-Chen (1 April 2020). "Dermatoses in children in the Republic of Palau". Dermatologica Sinica. 38 (2): 94. doi:10.4103/ds.ds_2_20. S2CID 218927684. Archived from the original on 4 January 2022. Retrieved 4 January 2022 – via dermsinica.org.
90. ^ a b "Volunteer Surgery in the Republic of Palau". Retina Today. Archived from the original on 3 January 2022. Retrieved 3 January 2022.
91. ^ China (Taiwan), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of (11 August 2017). "ROC doctors, nurses praised by Palau official for lifesaving surgery". Taiwan Today. Archived from the original on 3 January 2022. Retrieved 3 January 2022.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
92. ^ Ghim-Lay Yeo. "Palau's PacificFlier relooks business plan after suspension". FlightGlobal. Archived from the original on 16 August 2010. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
93. ^ Thomas, Geoffrey (5 May 2024). "Nauru Airlines Launches Direct Brisbane-Palau Flights".
94. ^ "All the Schedules and Prices for Palau's State Ferries between Koror, Peliliu and Angour". 17 February 2016. Archived from the original on 7 March 2016. Retrieved 1 March 2016.
95. ^ "International Database". www.census.gov. Archived from the original on 8 February 2017. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
96. ^ R. G. Crocombe (2007). Asia in the Pacific Islands: Replacing the West. editorips@usp.ac.fj. pp. 60, 61. ISBN 978-982-02-0388-4. Archived from the original on 27 October 2023. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
97. ^ "CIA – The World Factbook – Field Listing :: Languages". Central Intelligence Agency. Archived from the original on 13 May 2009. Retrieved 17 February 2010.
98. ^ Lewis, Paul M., ed. (2009). "Languages of Palau". SIL International. Archived from the original on 29 May 2010. Retrieved 17 February 2010.
99. ^ Brigham Young University—Hawaii Campus (1981), p. 36
100. ^ "Fruit bat soup has chicken-like taste". Newcastle Herald. 12 June 2016. Archived from the original on 9 March 2018. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
101. ^ "Tama – A Year Cooking the World". ayearcookingtheworld.com. 20 December 2016. Archived from the original on 25 January 2018. Retrieved 24 January 2018.
102. ^ Dawrs, Stu. "Research Guides: Pacific Islands Newspapers : Palau". guides.library.manoa.hawaii.edu. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 16 September 2020.
103. ^ "Homepage". Island Times. Archived from the original on 17 September 2020. Retrieved 16 September 2020.
104. ^ "Palau Education System". Scholaro. Archived from the original on 6 February 2020. Retrieved 21 June 2016.

### Notes

[edit]

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

## External links

[edit]

Palau at Wikipedia's sister projects

* Definitions from Wiktionary
* Media from Commons
* News from Wikinews
* Quotations from Wikiquote
* Texts from Wikisource
* Textbooks from Wikibooks
* Resources from Wikiversity
* Travel information from Wikivoyage
* Data from Wikidata

### Government

[edit]

* Republic of Palau National Government
* Embassy of the Republic of Palau in Japan
* Chief of State and Cabinet Members
* Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Palau to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
* Honorary Consulate-General of Palau to Belgium

### Local News

[edit]

* Island Times
* Palau Wave Radio
* Pacific Note

### General information

[edit]

* Palau. The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency.
* Palau from the University of Colorado at Boulder Libraries (USA) – Government Publications
* Palau profile from the BBC News
* "Palau"—Encyclopædia Britannica entry
* Wikimedia Atlas of Palau
* NOAA's National Weather Service – Palau
* The Interesting History of Prince Lee Boo, Brought to England from the Pelew Islands—From the Collections at the Library of Congress

* v
* t
* e

Palau articles

History|

* Spanish East Indies
* German New Guinea
* South Seas Mandate
* Battle of Peleliu
* Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

Geography|

* Climate
* Environment
* Rivers
* Towns and villages
* Wildlife
* Birds
* Mammals

Regions|

* Babeldaob
* Chelbacheb
* Ioueldaob

Politics|

* Compact of Free Association
* Elections
* Foreign relations
* Law enforcement
* Military
* National Congress
* Political parties
* President
* Vice President
* Supreme Court
* States
* Traditional chiefs

Economy|

* Telecommunications
* Transport

Society|

* LGBT rights

Culture|

* Anthem
* Coat of arms
* Cuisine
* Demographics
* Flag
* Language
* Music
* Public holidays
* Religion
* Sports

* Outline
* Index

* Category

Articles relating to Palau

* v
* t
* e

Countries and territories of Oceania

* List of Oceanian countries by area
* List of Oceanian countries by population

Sovereign states|

| Entire|

* Australia
* Fiji
* Kiribati
* Marshall Islands
* Micronesia
* Nauru
* New Zealand
* Palau
* Papua New Guinea
* Samoa
* Solomon Islands
* Tonga
* Tuvalu
* Vanuatu

|

In part|

* Chile
* Easter Island
* Juan Fernández Islands
* Ecuador
* Galápagos Islands
* Indonesia
* Central Papua
* Highland Papua
* Papua
* South Papua
* Southwest Papua
* West Papua
* United States
* Hawaii
* Palmyra Atoll

Associated states

* Cook Islands
* Niue

Dependencies and
other territories

| Australia|

* Ashmore and Cartier Islands
* Christmas Island
* Cocos (Keeling) Islands
* Coral Sea Islands
* Norfolk Island

|

France|

* Clipperton Island
* French Polynesia
* New Caledonia
* Wallis and Futuna

New Zealand|

* Tokelau

United Kingdom|

* Pitcairn Islands

United States|

* American Samoa
* Baker Island
* Guam
* Howland Island
* Jarvis Island
* Johnston Atoll
* Kingman Reef
* Midway Atoll
* Northern Mariana Islands
* Wake Island

* British Overseas Territories
* Overseas France
* Overseas collectivity
* Overseas country of France
* Realm of New Zealand
* Political status of the Cook Islands and Niue
* States and territories of Australia
* Australian Indian Ocean Territories
* Territories of the United States
* Commonwealth (U.S. insular area)
* Insular area
* United States Minor Outlying Islands

Oceania portal

* v
* t
* e

Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)

Members|

* Australia
* Cook Islands
* Fiji
* French Polynesia
* Kiribati
* Marshall Islands
* Micronesia
* Nauru
* New Zealand
* Niue
* Palau
* Papua New Guinea
* New Caledonia
* Samoa
* Solomon Islands
* Tonga
* Tuvalu
* Vanuatu

Associate members|

* American Samoa
* Guam
* Tokelau
* Wallis and Futuna

Observers|

* East Timor
* Northern Mariana Islands

Observer Organisations|

* ACP Secretariat
* Asian Development Bank
* Commonwealth Secretariat
* International Organization for Migration
* United Nations Secretariat
* Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC)
* World Bank

Dialogue partners|

* Canada
* Chile
* China
* Cuba
* European Union
* France
* Germany
* India
* Indonesia
* Italy
* Japan
* Malaysia
* Norway
* Philippines
* Singapore
* South Korea
* Spain
* Thailand
* Turkey
* United Kingdom
* United States

Development partner|

* Taiwan

Meetings|

* 45th
* 51st

* v
* t
* e

Spanish Empire

Timeline–immersed

* Catholic Monarchs
* Conquest of the Americas, Asia and the Pacific
* Treaty of Tordesillas
* Italian Wars
* Habsburgs
* Golden Age
* War of the League of Cognac
* Encomiendas
* New Laws in favour of the indigenous
* Expulsion of the Moriscos
* Ottoman–Habsburg wars
* French Wars of Religion
* Bruneian–Spanish conflict
* Anglo-Spanish War (1585–1604)
* Piracy in the Caribbean
* Eighty Years' War
* Spanish–Moro conflict
* Thirty Years' War
* Franco-Spanish War (1635–1659)
* Portuguese Restoration War
* War of the Spanish Succession
* Queen Anne's War
* Bourbons
* Bourbon Reforms
* War of Jenkins' Ear
* Treaty of Madrid (1750)
* Seven Years' War
* Nootka Convention
* Napoleonic invasion
* Third Treaty of San Ildefonso
* Independence of Spanish continental Americas
* Adams–Onís Treaty
* Liberal constitution
* Carlist Wars
* Spanish–American War
* German–Spanish Treaty (1899)
* Spanish Civil War
* Independence of Morocco
* Independence of Equatorial Guinea
* Western Sahara conflict

Territories

| Europe|

* Spain
* Crown of Castille
* Crown of Aragon
* Union with Portugal
* Gibraltar
* Southern Italy (Kingdoms of Naples, Sicily and Sardinia)
* Milan
* Union with Holy Roman Empire
* Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, northernmost France
* Franche-Comté
* Pyrénées-Orientales

|

Americas (Spanish America)|

| North America|

* New Spain (Coastal Alaska, Central United States (Spanish Louisiana), Western United States (Spanish Texas), Florida, Mexico, Central America (Captaincy General of Yucatan), Spanish Caribbean)

|

Central America|

* Captaincy General of Guatemala
* Spanish West Indies (Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico)
* Trinidad
* Jamaica
* Haiti
* Aruba
* Curazao
* Bonaire
* Belize

South America|

* New Granada (Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Venezuela, part of Guyana, a northernmost portion of Brazilian Amazon)
* Peru (Peru, Acre, Chile)
* Río de la Plata (Argentina, Paraguay, Charcas (Bolivia), Banda Oriental (Uruguay), Misiones Orientales, Malvinas)

Asia and Oceania (Spanish East Indies)|

* Philippines
* Micronesia (Caroline, Guam, Mariana, Micronesia, Palau)
* Northern Taiwan
* Tidore

Africa|

* Equatorial Guinea
* Northern Africa (Western Sahara, Spanish Morocco, Tripoli, Tunis, Peñón of Algiers, Oran, Béjaïa, Ifni and Cape Juby)

Antarctica|

* Terra Australis

Administration

| Organization|

* Ayuntamiento
* Cabildo
* Council of the Indies
* Germania
* Santa Hermandad

|

Law|

* Exequatur
* Laws of the Indies
* Papal bull
* Royal Decree of Graces
* School of Salamanca
* Trial of residence

Titles and positions|

* Alcalde
* Corregidor
* Municipal president
* Regidor
* Syndic
* Vecino

Administrative subdivisions

| Viceroyalties|

* Columbian
* New Spain
* New Granada
* Perú
* Río de la Plata

|

Captaincies General|

* Chile
* Cuba
* Guatemala
* Philippines
* Provincias Internas
* Puerto Rico
* Santo Domingo
* Venezuela
* Yucatán

Governorates|

* Castilla de Oro
* Cuba
* La Florida
* Louisiana
* New Andalusia (1501–1513)
* New Andalusia
* New Castile
* New Navarre
* New Spain
* Tierra Firme
* New Toledo
* New León
* Paraguay
* Río de la Plata
* Terra Australis

Audiencias|

* Bogotá
* Buenos Aires
* Caracas
* Charcas
* Concepción
* Cusco
* Guadalajara
* Guatemala
* Lima
* Manila
* Mexico
* Panamá
* Quito
* Santiago
* Santo Domingo

Economy

| Currencies|

* Dollar (Peso)
* Real
* Maravedí
* Escudo
* Columnario
* Doubloon

|

Trade|

* Manila galleon
* Spanish treasure fleet
* Casa de Contratación
* Spanish Road
* Guipuzcoan Company of Caracas
* Barcelona Trading Company
* Consulate of the Sea
* Camino Real de Tierra Adentro
* Commerce Consulate of Buenos Aires

Military

| Armies|

* Tercio
* Army of Flanders
* Free Company of Volunteers of Catalonia
* Indian auxiliaries
* Spanish Armada
* Ships of the line
* Royalists
* Legión
* Army of Africa

|

Strategists|

* Duke of Alba
* Antonio de Leyva
* Martín de Goiti
* Alfonso d'Avalos
* García de Toledo Osorio
* Duke of Savoy
* Álvaro de Bazán the Elder
* John of Austria
* Charles Bonaventure de Longueval
* Pedro de Zubiaur
* Ambrosio Spinola
* Blas de Lezo
* Bernardo de Gálvez

Mariners|

* Christopher Columbus
* Pinzón brothers
* Ferdinand Magellan
* Juan Sebastián Elcano
* Juan de la Cosa
* Juan Ponce de León
* Miguel López de Legazpi
* Pedro Menéndez de Avilés
* Sebastián de Ocampo
* Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca
* Alonso de Ojeda
* Vasco Núñez de Balboa
* Alonso de Salazar
* Andrés de Urdaneta
* Antonio de Ulloa
* Ruy López de Villalobos
* Diego Columbus
* Alonso de Ercilla
* Nicolás de Ovando
* Juan de Ayala
* Sebastián Vizcaíno
* Juan Fernández
* Luis Fajardo
* Felipe González de Ahedo
* Francisco de Camargo
* Alonso de Camargo

Conquistadors|

* Hernán Cortés
* Francisco Pizarro
* Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada
* Hernán Pérez de Quesada
* Francisco Vázquez de Coronado
* Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar
* Pedro de Valdivia
* Gaspar de Portolà
* Pere Fages i Beleta
* Joan Orpí
* Pedro de Alvarado
* Martín de Ursúa
* Diego de Almagro
* Pánfilo de Narváez
* Diego de Mazariegos
* Jerónimo Luis de Cabrera
* Pere d'Alberní i Teixidor
* García López de Cárdenas

Notable battles|

| Old World|

| Won|

* Comuneros
* Bicocca
* Rome (1527)
* Landriano
* Pavia
* Tunis
* Mühlberg
* St. Quentin
* Gravelines
* Malta
* Lepanto
* Antwerp
* Azores
* Mons
* Gembloux
* Ostend
* English Armada
* Cape Celidonia
* White Mountain
* Breda
* Nördlingen
* Valenciennes
* Ceuta
* Bitonto
* Bailén
* Vitoria
* Tetouan
* Alhucemas

|

Lost|

* Capo d'Orso
* Vienna (1529)
* Preveza
* Siege of Castelnuovo
* Algiers
* Ceresole
* Balearic Islands (1558)
* Djerba
* Tunis
* Spanish Armada
* Leiden
* Rocroi
* Downs
* Montes Claros
* Passaro
* Manila Bay
* Trafalgar
* Somosierra
* Annual
* Mactan

New World|

| Won|

* Tenochtitlan
* Cajamarca
* Cusco
* Bogotá savanna
* Penco
* Mataquito
* Guadalupe Island
* Recife
* San Juan (1595)
* Bahia
* Colonia del Sacramento
* Comuneros (Paraguay)
* Cartagena de Indias
* Cuerno Verde
* Túpac Amaru II
* Túpac Katari
* Pensacola
* Newfoundland
* San Juan (1797)

|

Lost|

* La Noche Triste
* Iguape
* Tucapel
* Guiana
* Curalaba
* Comuneros (New Granada)
* Trinidad (1797)
* Chacabuco
* Boyacá
* Carabobo
* Pichincha
* Ayacucho
* Guam
* Santiago de Cuba
* Asomante

Spanish conquests

* Canary Islands
* The Americas
* Aztec
* Maya
* Chiapas
* Yucatán
* Guatemala
* Petén
* El Salvador
* Honduras
* Nicaragua
* Chibchan Nations
* Colombia
* Chile
* Inca
* Philippines

Other civil topics

* Spanish missions in the Americas
* Architecture
* Mesoamerican Codices
* Cusco painting tradition
* Indochristian painting in New Spain
* Quito painting tradition
* Africanist
* Tapada limeña
* Academia Antártica
* Colonial universities in Hispanic America
* Colonial universities in the Philippines
* General Archive of the Indies
* Colonial Spanish Horse
* Mustang
* Castas
* Criollos in the colonial society
* Old inquisition
* Slavery in Spanish Empire
* Asiento
* Law of coartación (which allowed slaves to buy their freedom, and that of others)
* Great Potosí Mint Fraud of 1649

Cartography

| Cartographers|

* Juan de la Cruz Cano y Olmedilla
* Agustín Ibáñez y Bojons

|

Authority control databases

International|

* VIAF
* FAST
* WorldCat

National|

* Germany
* United States
* France
* 2
* 3
* BnF data
* 2
* 3
* Japan
* Australia
* Czech Republic
* Israel

Geographic|

* MusicBrainz area

Artists|

* KulturNav

People|

* Trove
* UK Parliament

Other|

* IdRef
* NARA
* Yale LUX

7°30′N 134°30′E﻿ / ﻿7.500°N 134.500°E﻿ / 7.500; 134.500
*[Pop.]: Population
*[±%]: Percent change
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template