Palau

Palau, officially the Republic of Palau, is an island country in the Micronesia subregion of Oceania in the western Pacific Ocean. It has about 340 islands, making it the sixteenth smallest country in the world. The most populous island is Koror, which also holds the country's biggest city, while the capital, Ngerulmud, sits on the largest island of Babeldaob.

People have lived in Palau since around 1,000 BCE, coming from Maritime Southeast Asia. Over time, it was part of different empires and governments, including the Spanish East Indies, Germany, and Japan. After World War II, it became part of a United States trust territory before gaining full sovereignty in 1994.

Today, Palau is a presidential republic closely linked with the United States. Its economy relies on tourism, subsistence agriculture, and fishing, with help from foreign aid. The culture of Palau is a mix of Micronesian, Melanesian, Asian, and Western influences, and its official languages are Palauan and English.

Etymology

The name of the islands in the Palauan language, Belau, comes from their word for "village", beluu. This word has roots in an older language. Another idea is that it may come from aibebelau, meaning "indirect replies". The name "Palau" started with the Spanish name Los Palaos and was later used in English. Even though it sounds similar, the name "Palau" does not come from the Malay word for island, Pulau.

History

Main article: History of Palau

Palau was first settled by people from places like the Philippines or Indonesia thousands of years ago. Early explorers from Spain saw the islands in the 1500s. Over time, many different countries controlled Palau, including Spain, Germany, Japan, and the United States.

During World War II, battles happened in Palau, and many soldiers from both sides died. After the war, Palau was under United Nations supervision before becoming fully independent in 1981. Since then, Palau has worked to protect its natural environment and keep its waters clean.

Politics and government

Main article: Politics of Palau

Palau is a democratic republic. The President of Palau is both the leader of the country and the government. Power is shared between the government and the Palau National Congress, with an independent judiciary. Palau adopted its constitution in 1981.

Palau has a special agreement with the United States called the Compact of Free Association. This agreement helps with government, economy, security, and defense. Palau does not have its own military and relies on the United States for protection. The American military can use the islands for 50 years. Palau will also host a large United States Air Force radar station expected to be ready in 2026.

In November 2020, Surangel Whipps Jr was elected as the new President of Palau.

Foreign relations

As an independent country, Palau handles its own foreign affairs. It has built relationships with many nations, especially its Pacific neighbors like Micronesia and the Philippines. In 1994, Palau joined the United Nations. Palau often supports the United States in international votes.

Palau has close ties with Japan, which has helped build important structures like the Koror–Babeldaob Bridge. In 1981, Palau created a nuclear-free constitution.

Administrative divisions

Main article: States of Palau

Palau is divided into sixteen states. Koror is the largest state and home to most people.

Maritime law enforcement

Palau’s Division of Marine Law Enforcement patrols its large ocean area to stop illegal fishing. They use two main patrol boats and smaller boats for closer coastal work, based in Koror.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Palau

Palau is a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean. The biggest islands are Angaur, Babeldaob, Koror, and Peleliu. Most people live on Koror. There are also many smaller islands, like Kayangel and the Rock Islands, as well as a faraway group called the Southwest Islands.

Palau has a warm, rainy climate with lots of sunshine. The country works hard to protect its nature. There are areas set aside for wildlife, and Palau has promised to protect its oceans and forests. One special effort is a large area where fishing sharks is not allowed, to help keep the ocean healthy.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Palau

Palau's economy relies on tourism, small farms, and fishing. Many people visit Palau to dive and see the amazing underwater world, including old shipwrecks from World War II. In 2022, Palau began a program called Ol'au Palau to protect its nature and traditions. The government employs many people and relies on support from the United States.

Palau’s people earn more than nearby Micronesia. Tourism is growing because more people can travel to the Pacific Rim, countries in East Asia are getting richer, and foreign investors are building new things.

Palau has a special tax of 10% on most goods and services, but no taxes on property. Popular tourist spots include the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, recognized by UNESCO, and special areas like Ouballang ra Ngebedech (Ngebedech Terraces), Imeong Conservation Area, Yapease Quarry Sites, and Tet el Bad (Stone Coffin).

Healthcare

Palau has one main hospital called Belau National Hospital. It has space for 80 patients. Some types of medical care are not available in Palau, so people sometimes need to travel to places like Taiwan, the Philippines, or Hawaii for treatment. For example, there are no doctors in Palau who specialize in skin problems or eye diseases. When eye problems related to diabetes occur, visiting American eye doctors help with treatment. In some serious cases, like certain brain conditions, patients must be taken to Taiwan for care.

Transportation

Palau International Airport has flights to places like Guam, Manila, Brisbane, and Taipei. Some airlines stopped flying there, but others still fly regularly. In May 2024, Nauru Airlines started flying to Brisbane, Australia. Later, Qantas took over with a special flight called the “Palau Paradise Express."

Besides flights, ships visit Malaehaka Harbor on Malakal Island near Koror. Palau does not have railways, and only about half of its roads are paved. People drive on the right side, and the speed limit is 40 km/h. Taxis are available in Koror but do not use meters, so fares must be agreed upon before the ride. Traveling between islands is usually done by private boats or small domestic flights, though some cheaper government boats also operate.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Palau

Palau has about 21,947 people. Most are native Palauans from Melanesian and Austronesian groups. There are also people from Asia, such as Filipinos, Chinese, and Koreans. Some people have Japanese ancestry.

Palau's official languages are Palauan and English. Other languages spoken there include Sonsorolese, Tobian, and Angaur. English is used in schools and daily life.

Most people in Palau are Christians, many being Roman Catholic or Protestant. Other religions include Modekngei, a mix of Christian and traditional beliefs, as well as Islam, Buddhism, and others.

Culture

See also: Music of Palau

In Palau, women lead family traditions. This affects events like weddings and special ceremonies.

Food in Palau includes local items such as cassava, taro, yam, potatoes, fish, and pork. The cooking style has been shaped by nearby cultures like Japan, America, and the Philippines.

Baseball has been enjoyed in Palau since the 1920s. The Palauan baseball team has won many medals in games like the Micronesian Games and the Pacific Games. In 2022, a player named Bligh Madris became the first person from Palau to play in Major League Baseball.

Palau also has a national football team, though it is not part of FIFA. The Belau Omal Marathon started in 2023 thanks to a partnership with Taiwan.

Education

Children in Palau go to school until they are 16 years old. They can go to public schools, like Palau High School, or private schools. Some students study at Palau Community College. For more advanced studies, students often go to schools in the United States. They can also study through distance learning at San Diego State University and the University of the South Pacific.