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{{Short description|Country in the Western Pacific}} {{About|the country}} {{Distinguish|Paelau|Palau-de-Cerdagne|Palau-del-Vidre}} {{Redirect|Belau|the municipality in Germany|Belau, Schleswig-Holstein}} {{Pp-move}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}} {{Infobox country | conventional_long_name = Republic of Palau | native_name = {{native name|pau|Beluu er a Belau}} | image_flag = Flag of Palau.svg | image_coat = Seal_of_Palau.svg | symbol_type = Seal | national_anthem = {{lang|pau|[[Belau rekid]]}}<br />"Our Palau"{{parabr}}{{center|[[File:Belau rekid (instrumental).oga]]}} | image_map = {{Switcher|[[File:Palau on the globe (Southeast Asia centered) (small islands magnified).svg|frameless]]|Show globe|[[File:Palau - Location Map (2013) - PLW - UNOCHA.svg|upright=1.15|frameless]]|Show map of Palau|default=1}} | image_map2 = | status = [[Member states of the United Nations|UN member state]] under a [[Compact of Free Association]] with the [[United States]]<ref>[https://www.doi.gov/oia/compacts-of-free-association Compacts of Free Association] - [[United States Department of the Interior]]</ref> | capital = [[Ngerulmud]] | coordinates = {{Coord|7|30|N|134|37|E|type:city}} | largest_city = [[Koror City|Koror]]<br />{{coord|7|20|N|134|29|E|display=inline}} | official_languages = {{ubl|[[Palauan language|Palauan]]|[[English language|English]]}} | recognized_regional_languages = {{ubl|[[Japanese language|Japanese]]|[[Sonsorolese language|Sonsorolese]]|[[Tobian language|Tobian]]}} | ethnic_groups = {{unbulleted list | 65.2% [[Demographics of Palau|Palauan]] | 31.6% [[Asian people|Asian]] | 1.2% [[Carolinian people|Carolinian]] | 1.0% [[White people|European]] | 0.9% other }} | ethnic_groups_year = 2020 census<ref name="2020Census">{{cite report|title=2020 Census of Population and Housing of the Republic of Palau|volume=I Basic Tables|date=August 2022|url=https://www.palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2020-Census-of-Population-and-Housing.pdf|access-date=2023-06-21|publisher=Office of Planning and Statistics|location=Koror, Palau|archive-date=19 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119050949/https://www.palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2020-Census-of-Population-and-Housing.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> | religion = {{ublist |item_style=white-space:nowrap; |78.7% [[Christianity in Palau|Christianity]] |10.1% [[Irreligion|no religion]] |5.1% [[Modekngei]] |4.9% [[Islam in Palau|Islam]] |1.2% other}} | religion_year = 2020 census | religion_ref = <ref name="2020Census"/> | demonym = Palauan | government_type = Unitary [[presidential republic]] under a [[non-partisan democracy]] | leader_title1 = [[President of Palau|President]] | leader_name1 = [[Surangel Whipps Jr.]] | leader_title2 = [[Vice President of Palau|Vice President]] | leader_name2 = [[Raynold Oilouch]] | legislature = [[Palau National Congress]] | upper_house = [[Senate of Palau|Senate]] | lower_house = [[House of Delegates of Palau|House of Delegates]] | sovereignty_type = [[Independence]] | sovereignty_note = from the [[United States]] and [[Federated States of Micronesia|Micronesia]] | established_event1 = [[Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands|Trusteeship]] | established_date1 = 18 July 1947 | established_event2 = Constitution | established_date2 = 2 April 1979 | established_event3 = Establishment of the Republic of Palau | established_date3 = 1 January 1981 | established_event4 = [[Compact of Free Association]] | established_date4 = 1 October 1994 | area_km2 = 459 | area_rank = 180th <!-- Should match [[List of countries and dependencies by area]] --> | area_sq_mi = 177 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> | percent_water = negligible | population_estimate = {{UN_Population|Palau}}{{UN_Population|ref}} | population_census = 16,766 | population_estimate_year = {{UN_Population|year}} | population_estimate_rank = 192nd | population_census_year = 2021<ref name="2021Census">{{Cite web|url=https://www.palaugov.pw/executive-branch/ministries/finance/budgetandplanning/health-statistics/|title=Health Statistics – PalauGov.pw}}</ref> | population_density_km2 = 38.375 | population_density_sq_mi = 99.514 | population_density_rank = | GDP_PPP = {{increase}} $308 million<ref name=imf>{{cite web|url=https://www.imf.org/external/datamapper/profile/PLW|title=Palau|website=imf.org|access-date=25 January 2024|archive-date=19 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200119133214/https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2018/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2017&ey=2022&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&pr1.x=62&pr1.y=13&c=565&s=NGDPD,NGDPDPC,PPPGDP,PPPPC&grp=0&a=|url-status=live}}</ref> | GDP_PPP_year = 2024 | GDP_PPP_per_capita = {{increase}} $18,209<ref name=imf/> | GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 81st | GDP_nominal = {{increase}} $322 million<ref name=imf/> | GDP_nominal_year = 2024 | GDP_nominal_per_capita = {{increase}} $17,448<ref name=imf/> | Gini = <!--number only--> | Gini_change = <!--increase/decrease/steady--> | HDI = 0.797 | HDI_year = 2022<!-- Please use the year to which the data refers, not the publication year--> | HDI_change = decrease<!--increase/decrease/steady--> | HDI_ref = <ref name="UNHDR">{{cite web|url=https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/global-report-document/hdr2023-24reporten.pdf|title=Human Development Report 2023/24|language=en|publisher=[[United Nations Development Programme]]|date=13 March 2024|access-date=13 March 2024|archive-date=13 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313164319/https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/global-report-document/hdr2023-24reporten.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> | HDI_rank = 71st | currency = [[United States dollar]] | currency_code = USD | time_zone = PWT | utc_offset = +9 | time_zone_DST = ''not observed'' | date_format = mm/dd/yyyy<ref>Government documents use mm/dd/yyyy format. {{cite web|url= https://www.palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/Pay-Period-Schedule-2025.pdf|archive-date=2025-03-01|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250301082909/https://www.palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/Pay-Period-Schedule-2025.pdf|title=PAY-PERIOD SCHEDULE FOR CALENDAR 2025}}</ref> | drives_on = right | calling_code = [[+680]] | iso3166code = PW | cctld = [[.pw]] | footnote_b = GDP estimate includes US subsidy (2004 estimate). | official_website = [http://palaugov.pw/ PalauGov.pw] }} '''Palau''',{{efn|{{IPAc-en|audio=en-us-Palau.ogg|p|ə|ˈ|l|aʊ}}; {{langx|pau|Belau}}, {{IPA|pau|ˈbɛlaw|pron}}}} officially the '''Republic of Palau''',{{efn|{{langx|pau|Beluu er a Belau}}}}<ref>[http://www.palauembassy.com/Documents/ConstitutionP.pdf Constitution of Palau] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526205103/http://www.palauembassy.com/Documents/ConstitutionP.pdf |date=26 May 2013 }}. (PDF). palauembassy.com. Retrieved 1 June 2013.</ref> 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 {{Convert|466|km2|sqmi|sp=us}}, making it the sixteenth [[List of countries and dependencies by area|smallest country in the world]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=2015 Statistical Yearbook|url=https://www.palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/2015-Statistical-Yearbook-1.pdf|date=1 February 2016|access-date=21 August 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=11 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311194531/https://www.palaugov.pw/executive-branch/ministries/finance/budgetandplanning/rop-statistical-yearbooks/|url-status=live|publisher=Republic of Palau Bureau of Budget and Planning Ministry of Finance}}</ref> The most populous island is [[Koror]], home to the country's most populous city of [[Koror (city)|the same name]]. The capital, [[Ngerulmud]], is located on the largest island of [[Babeldaob]], in [[Melekeok|Melekeok State]]. Palau shares [[maritime boundary|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 [[Before Present|BP]] by migrants from [[Maritime Southeast Asia]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Clark |first1=Geoffrey |last2=Anderson |first2=Atholl |author2-link=Atholl Anderson |last3=Wright |first3=Duncan |title=Human Colonization of the Palau Islands, Western Micronesia |year=2006 |journal=Journal of Island & Coastal Archaeology |volume=1 |issue=2 |pages=215–232|doi=10.1080/15564890600831705 |s2cid=129261271 }}</ref><ref name="SmithWMP">{{cite journal |last=Smith |first=Alexander D. |title=The Western Malayo-Polynesian Problem |year=2017 |journal=Oceanic Linguistics |publisher=University of Hawaiʻi Press |volume=56 |issue=2 |pages=435–490 |doi=10.1353/ol.2017.0021 |s2cid=149377092 |jstor=26408513}}</ref> Palau was first drawn on a European map by the Bohemian missionary [[Pablo Clain|Paul Klein]]<ref name="Francis X. Hezel, SJ">{{cite web|url=http://micsem.org/pubs/articles/religion/frames/cathmissionsfr.htm|title=Catholic Missions in the Carolines and Marshall Islands|author=Francis X. Hezel, SJ|access-date=15 January 2015|archive-date=28 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171128085201/http://www.micsem.org/pubs/articles/religion/frames/cathmissionsfr.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> based on a description given by a group of [[Palauans]] shipwrecked on the Philippine coast on [[Samar]]. 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 [[German Empire|Germany]] in 1899 under the terms of the [[German–Spanish Treaty (1899)|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 [[list of islands in the Pacific Ocean|Pacific Islands]], Palau was made a part of the United States-governed [[Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands]] in 1947. Having voted in [[1978 Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands constitutional referendum|a referendum]] against joining the Federated States of Micronesia in 1978,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ming-chao|first=Tang|date=25 September 1978|title=Referendum on the draft constitution for the Federated States of Micronesia, July 1978|url=https://search.archives.un.org/uploads/r/united-nations-archives/8/4/d/84db2d9a2d2771136779b484f2645a596ccea6c4f2301c824603a8e883b724c8/S-0904-0029-03-00001.PDF|access-date=12 June 2021|publisher=United Nations|page=5|archive-date=12 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612090717/https://search.archives.un.org/uploads/r/united-nations-archives/8/4/d/84db2d9a2d2771136779b484f2645a596ccea6c4f2301c824603a8e883b724c8/S-0904-0029-03-00001.PDF|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Nakayama|first1=Tosiwo|last2=Henry|first2=Bethwel|date=14 September 1978|title=Letter to the United Nations|url=https://search.archives.un.org/uploads/r/united-nations-archives/8/4/d/84db2d9a2d2771136779b484f2645a596ccea6c4f2301c824603a8e883b724c8/S-0904-0029-03-00001.PDF|access-date=12 June 2021|publisher=United Nations|pages=8–10|archive-date=12 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612090717/https://search.archives.un.org/uploads/r/united-nations-archives/8/4/d/84db2d9a2d2771136779b484f2645a596ccea6c4f2301c824603a8e883b724c8/S-0904-0029-03-00001.PDF|url-status=live}}</ref> the islands gained full [[sovereignty]] in 1994 under a [[Compact of Free Association]] with the United States. Politically, Palau is a [[presidential system|presidential]] republic in [[associated state|free association]] with the United States, which provides defense, funding, and access to social services. Legislative power is concentrated in the [[Bicameralism|bicameral]] [[Palau National Congress]]. [[Economy of Palau|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, [[Melanesia]]n, Asian, and Western elements. Ethnic Palauans, the majority of the population, are of mixed [[Micronesians|Micronesian]], [[Melanesians|Melanesian]], and [[Austronesian peoples|Austronesian]] descent. A smaller proportion of the population is of Japanese descent. The country's two [[official language]]s are [[Palauan language|Palauan]] (a member of the [[Austronesian languages|Austronesian]] language family) and English, with Japanese, [[Sonsorolese language|Sonsorolese]], and [[Tobian language|Tobian]] recognized as [[regional language]]s. ==Etymology== The name for the islands in the [[Palauan language]], ''Belau'', derives from the Palauan word for "village", ''beluu'' (thus ultimately from [[Proto-Austronesian language|Proto-Austronesian]] *''banua''),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://acd.clld.org/cognatesets/25129#2/-60.8/162.8|title=*''banua'': inhabited land, territory supporting the life of a community|last1=Blust|first1=Robert|author-link1=Robert Blust|last2=Trussel|first2=Stephen|website=Austronesian Comparative Dictionary|year=2010|publisher=Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology|url-status=live|access-date=29 November 2022|archive-date=28 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128221618/https://acd.clld.org/cognatesets/25129#2/-60.8/162.8}}</ref> or from ''aibebelau'' ("indirect replies"), relating to a [[creation myth]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.underwatercolours.com/bai/bais.html |title=The Bais of Belau |website=Underwater Colours |access-date=25 May 2012 |archive-date=21 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160721152221/http://www.underwatercolours.com/bai/bais.html |url-status=live }}</ref> 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".<ref>{{Cite book | year= 1994 | isbn = 9780963787507 |title=Palau – Portrait of Paradise | chapter= About Palau | last = Etpison | first = Mandy | publisher= Neco Marine Corp. |chapter-url=http://www.underwatercolors.com/neco.html|access-date=15 January 2023|archive-date=19 April 2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010419154512/http://www.underwatercolors.com/neco.html|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<!--Circumstantial evidence: File:Txu-pclmaps-oclc-22834566 l-12c.jpg - a map including Pulau Tobi ([[Defense Mapping Agency|DMA]], 1977) [[Tobi (island)]]--> ==History== {{Main|History of Palau}} {{Quote box | title = Palau History Timeline | quote = {{flagicon image|Flag of Cross of Burgundy.svg|border=|size=23px}} [[History of Spain (1700–1808)|Bourbon Spain]] ([[Spanish East Indies]]) 1710–1785<br> {{flagicon image|Flag of Spain (1785–1873, 1875–1931).svg|border=|size=23px}} [[History of Spain (1700–1808)|Kingdom of Spain]] (Spanish East Indies) 1785–1808<br> {{flagicon image|Bandera de España 1808-1813.svg|border=|size=23px}} [[Spain under Joseph Bonaparte|Napoleonic Spain]] (Spanish East Indies) 1808–1813<br> {{flagicon image|Flag of Spain (1785–1873, 1875–1931).svg|border=|size=23px}} [[History of Spain (1808–1874)|Kingdom of Spain]] (Spanish East Indies) 1813–1873<br> {{flagicon image|Flag of the First Spanish Republic.svg|border=|size=23px}} [[First Spanish Republic]] (Spanish East Indies) 1873–1874<br> {{flagicon image|Flag of Spain (1785–1873, 1875–1931).svg|border=|size=23px}} [[Restoration (Spain)|Kingdom of Spain]] (Spanish East Indies) 1873–1899<br> {{flagicon image|Flag of German New Guinea.svg|border=|size=23px}} [[German New Guinea Company]] 1885–1899<br> {{flagicon image|Flag of the Philippines (1898–1901).svg|border=|size=23px}} [[First Philippine Republic]] January 23–February 12, 1899<br> {{flagicon image|Flag of Germany (1867–1918).svg|border=|size=23px}} [[German Empire]] ([[German New Guinea]]) 1899–1914<br> {{flagicon image|Flag of Japan (1870–1999).svg|border=|size=23px}} [[Empire of Japan]] ([[South Seas Mandate]]) 1914–1944<br> {{flagicon image|Flag of the United States.svg|border=|size=23px}} [[United States]] 1944–1962<br> {{flagicon image|Flag of the United Nations.svg|border=|size=23px}} [[United Nations]] ([[Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands]]) 1947–1965<br> {{flagicon image|Flag of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.svg|border=|size=23px}} United Nations (Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands) 1965–1979<br> {{flagicon image|Flag of the Federated States of Micronesia.svg|border=|size=23px}} [[Federated States of Micronesia]] 1979–1981<br> {{flagicon image|Flag of Palau.svg|border=|size=23px}} Palau 1981–present | align = right | width = 32em | fontsize = 80% | bgcolor = #B0C4DE }} === Early history === [[File:Reception of the Manila Galleon by the Chamorro in the Ladrones Islands, ca. 1590.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3|[[Manila galleon]] in the [[Mariana Islands|Marianas]] and [[Caroline Islands|Carolinas]], c. 1590 [[Boxer Codex]]|alt=]] Palau was originally settled between the 3rd and 2nd millennia BCE, most likely from the Philippines or Indonesia.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Palau |url=https://histclo.com/country/oce/pal/co-pal.html |access-date=12 November 2022 |website=histclo.com |archive-date=25 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225124817/https://histclo.com/country/oce/pal/co-pal.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Sonsorol]] was sighted by the [[Spanish Empire|Spanish]] as early as 1522, when the [[Spanish missions in the Carolinas|Spanish mission]] of the ''[[Trinidad (ship)|Trinidad]]'', the flagship of [[Ferdinand Magellan]]'s voyage of circumnavigation, sighted two small islands around the [[5th parallel north]], naming them "San Juan".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Palau Ships |url=http://www.micsem.org/pubs/articles/historical/forships/palau.htm |access-date=12 November 2022 |website=micsem.org |archive-date=10 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510190730/http://www.micsem.org/pubs/articles/historical/forships/palau.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 1696, a group of sailors from the [[Caroline Islands]] were stranded on [[Samar]], near [[Guiuan]], when they met European missionary [[Pablo Clain|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 [[Superior General of the Society of Jesus|Jesuit Superior General]], along with a letter detailing the names of the islands, the culture of the people, and his experiences with them.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Hezel |first1=Francis X. |last2=Valle |first2=Maria Teresa Del |date=1972 |title=Early European Contact with the Western Carolines: 1525-1750 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/25168089 |journal=The Journal of Pacific History |volume=7 |pages=26–44 |doi=10.1080/00223347208572199 |jstor=25168089 |issn=0022-3344 |access-date=25 April 2024 |archive-date=25 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425013029/https://www.jstor.org/stable/25168089 |url-status=live }}</ref> === Spanish era === {{Main|New Spain|Captaincy General of the Philippines|Spanish East Indies}} [[File:Islas Marianas Palaos y Carolinas.JPG|thumb|upright=1.5|An 1888 map showing the Palau Islands of the Spanish East Indies (excluding the Philippine Islands)|alt=]] [[File:Palau-Inseln.jpg|thumb|''Village on the Palau Islands'', painting by [[Rudolf Hellgrewe]] c. 1908|alt=]] [[File:Koror chiefs in 1915.jpg|thumb|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 [[Captaincy General of the Philippines|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 ''[[Trinity|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).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Missions in the Carolines and Marshall Islands |url=http://micsem.org/pubs/articles/religion/frames/cathmissionsfr.htm |access-date=12 November 2022 |website=micsem.org |archive-date=28 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171128085201/http://www.micsem.org/pubs/articles/religion/frames/cathmissionsfr.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> === Transitions era === [[File:Koror in the Japanese Period.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Palau in Japanese mandate]] British traders became regular visitors to Palau in the 18th century (the British East India Company packet ship [[Antelope (1781 EIC 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.<ref name="PhilStar2006">{{cite news|last=Balabo|first=Dino|title=Historians: Malolos Congress produced best RP Constitution|url=http://www.philstar.com/nation/374302/historians-malolos-congress-produced-best-rp-constitution|access-date=12 August 2013|newspaper=[[Philippine Star]]|date=10 December 2006|archive-date=12 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112051737/https://www.philstar.com/nation/374302/historians-malolos-congress-produced-best-rp-constitution|url-status=live}}</ref> 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 [[Empire of Japan|Japanese Empire]] annexed the islands after seizing them from [[German Empire|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 [[Philippines campaign (1941–1942)|1941 invasion of the Philippines]], which succeeded in 1942. The invasion overthrew the American-installed [[Commonwealth of the Philippines|Commonwealth government in the Philippines]] and installed the Japanese-backed [[Second Philippine Republic]] in 1943.<ref>{{cite book |first=Dorothy |last=Perkins |date=1997 |title=Japan Goes to War: A Chronology of Japanese Military Expansion from the Meiji Era to the Attack on Pearl Harbor (1868–1941) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t2-OmUA-EscC&q=palau&pg=PA166 |publisher=DIANE Publishing |page=166 |quote=Admiral Takeo Takagi led the Philippines support force to Palau, an island {{convert|500|mi|km|order=flip|sp=us|abbr=off}} east of the southern Philippines where he waited to join the attack.|isbn=9780788134272}}</ref> === United States era === 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 [[History of the Philippines (1946–1965)|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 [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 21|Security Council Resolution 21]].{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Year: 1947) |first=UN Security Council (2nd |date=1964 |title=Resolution 21 (1947) /: [adopted by the Security Council at its 124th meeting], of 2 April 1947. |url=https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/111988 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Security Council Resolution 21 - UNSCR |url=http://unscr.com/en/resolutions/21 |access-date=2025-03-10 |website=unscr.com}}</ref> === Independence === [[File:TTPI High Commissioner and staff.jpg|thumb|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.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Pacific Island Battleground Now the Republic of Belau |agency=Associated Press |location=Bangor, Maine, USA |date=23 January 1981 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xHI-AAAAIBAJ&pg=1189,3024338&dq=micronesia&hl=en |access-date=18 November 2020 |archive-date=11 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311194807/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xHI-AAAAIBAJ&pg=1189,3024338&dq=micronesia&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> 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,<ref>{{cite news |title=Palau Gains Independence on Saturday |agency=Associated Press |location=Salt Lake City, Utah, USA |date=30 September 1994 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LOZHAAAAIBAJ&pg=5945,7792568&dq=palau&hl=en |access-date=18 November 2020 |archive-date=11 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311194829/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LOZHAAAAIBAJ&pg=5945,7792568&dq=palau&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> concluding Palau's transition from trusteeship to independence<ref name="gao-08-732_p7">{{cite journal |date=10 June 2008 |title=Compact of Free Association: Palau's use of and accountability for U.S. assistance and prospects for economic self-sufficiency |url=http://www.gao.gov/assets/280/276299.pdf |url-status=live |journal=Report to Congressional Committees |volume=GAO-08-732 |pages=1–2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111071210/https://www.gao.gov/assets/280/276299.pdf |archive-date=11 November 2022 |access-date=7 September 2014}}</ref> as the last portion of the [[Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands]] to secure its independence pursuant to [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 956|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.<ref>{{cite news|last=Cave|first=Damien|date=5 February 2021|title=Pacific Islands' Most Important Megaphone Falls Into Discord|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/05/world/asia/pacific-islands-forum.html|access-date=8 February 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=9 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209014114/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/05/world/asia/pacific-islands-forum.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=5 February 2021|title=Key Pacific body in crisis as Palau walks out|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210205-key-pacific-body-in-crisis-as-palau-walks-out|access-date=8 February 2021|publisher=France 24|archive-date=5 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205091947/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210205-key-pacific-body-in-crisis-as-palau-walks-out|url-status=live}}</ref> Legislation making Palau an "offshore" financial center was passed by the [[United States Senate|U.S. Senate]] in 1998.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Palau (11/03) |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/palau/36843.htm |access-date=13 April 2022 |website=U.S. Department of State |archive-date=12 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112051748/https://2009-2017.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/palau/36843.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/PW/|title=Palau – UNESCO World Heritage Centre|first=UNESCO World Heritage|last=Centre|publisher=UNESCO|access-date=26 December 2019|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227075754/http://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/PW/|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/10/151028-palau-marine-protected-area-official-oceans-animals-conservation/|title=Tiny Island Nation's Enormous New Ocean Reserve is Official|date=28 October 2015|access-date=20 March 2018|archive-date=20 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320170753/https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/10/151028-palau-marine-protected-area-official-oceans-animals-conservation/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The protection of its water resources made significant increases in the country's economy in less than two years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/03/palau-marine-protected-area-ocean-fish/|title=This Small Island Nation Makes a Big Case For Protecting Our Oceans|date=3 April 2017|access-date=20 March 2018|archive-date=20 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320170304/https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/03/palau-marine-protected-area-ocean-fish/|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/2123491/palau-pledge-pacific-island-forces-visitors-sign-eco-promise|title=Pacific island forces visitors to sign eco-pledge|date=8 December 2017|website=South China Morning Post|access-date=23 December 2020|archive-date=7 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207035653/http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/2123491/palau-pledge-pacific-island-forces-visitors-sign-eco-promise|url-status=live}}</ref> 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== {{Main|Politics of Palau}} {{stack|[[File:Capitol, Melekeok, Palau.jpg|thumb|[[Capitol of Palau]], the seat of government]]}} Palau is a [[Representative democracy|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 of Palau|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<ref>[http://palau.usembassy.gov/rop_cofa.pdf Compact of Free Association Between the Government of the United States of America and the government of Palau] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006012927/http://palau.usembassy.gov/rop_cofa.pdf |date=6 October 2011 }}, preamble</ref> sets forth the free and voluntary association of their governments. It primarily focuses on the issues of government, economic, security, and defense relations.<ref>[http://palau.usembassy.gov/rop_cofa.pdf Compact of Free Association Between the Government of the United States of America and the government of Palau] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006012927/http://palau.usembassy.gov/rop_cofa.pdf |date=6 October 2011 }}, Table of Contents</ref> 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 [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]] role is minimal, limited to a handful of Navy [[Seabee (US Navy)|Seabees]] (construction engineers).{{citation needed|date=August 2019}} The [[United States Coast Guard|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|over-the-horizon-radar]] system costing well over $100 million, which is expected to be operational in 2026.<ref name="id-20220505">{{cite news |last=Marrow |first=Michael |date=5 May 2022 |title=Air Force eyes new radar installation in Palau |website=Inside Defense |url=https://insidedefense.com/insider/air-force-eyes-new-radar-installation-palau |url-status=live |access-date=4 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104095630/https://insidedefense.com/insider/air-force-eyes-new-radar-installation-palau |archive-date=4 January 2023}}</ref><ref name="td-20221230">{{cite news |last1=Helfrich |first1=Emma |last2=Rogoway |first2=Tyler |date=30 December 2022 |title=U.S. Building Advanced Over-The-Horizon Radar On Palau |website=The Drive |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/u-s-building-advanced-over-the-horizon-radar-on-palau |url-status=live |access-date=4 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104095621/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/u-s-building-advanced-over-the-horizon-radar-on-palau |archive-date=4 January 2023}}</ref> In November 2020, [[Surangel Whipps Jr.|Surangel Whipps Jr]] was elected as the new [[President of Palau]] to succeed President [[Tommy Remengesau]].<ref>{{cite web |date=6 November 2020 |title=Surangel Whipps Jr to be Palau's new president |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/429990/surangel-whipps-jr-to-be-palau-s-new-president |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311195108/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/429990/surangel-whipps-jr-to-be-palau-s-new-president |archive-date=11 March 2023 |access-date=24 August 2021 |work=RNZ.co.nz}}</ref> ===Foreign relations=== As a sovereign state, Palau conducts [[Foreign relations of Palau|its own foreign relations]].<ref name="gao-08-732_p7"/> 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 [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 963|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.<ref>[https://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/RES/49/63 United Nations General Assembly Resolution 49/63, ''Admission of the Republic of Palau to Membership in the United Nations'', adopted 15 December 1994] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525213614/http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/RES/49/63 |date=25 May 2017 }}. United Nations. Retrieved 12 September 2015.</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/press4e_000553.html|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan|date=15 December 2014|title=The President of the Republic of Palau to Visit Japan|location=Tokyo|access-date=12 January 2018|archive-date=11 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311195239/https://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/press4e_000553.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Taiwan has provided financial support for Palau to maintain a presence at international fora, including the [[United Nations]] and [[United Nations Climate Change Conference]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Judah |first=Jacob |date=2024-06-02 |title=A Pacific Island With Ties to Taiwan Was Hacked. Was It Political? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/02/world/asia/palau-taiwan-china-hack.html |access-date=2024-06-03 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> [[File:Palasia Hotel Palau.JPG|thumb|left|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]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 October 2007|title=Responsibilities and Authorities|url=http://www.doi.gov/oia/Firstpginfo/oia_responsibilities.html|access-date=15 January 2023|archive-date=24 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024234958/http://www.doi.gov/oia/Firstpginfo/oia_responsibilities.html|url-status=dead|publisher = USDOI Office of Insular Affairs}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=July 2023}} For example, as part of this compact, Palau was granted [[ZIP Code]]s 96939 and 96940, along with regular [[United States Postal Service|U.S. Mail]] delivery. In international politics, Palau often votes in tandem with the United States on [[United Nations General Assembly]] resolutions.<ref>[https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/82642.pdf General Assembly – Overall Votes – Comparison with U.S. vote] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408175034/https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/82642.pdf |date=8 April 2021 }} lists Palau as in the country with the third high coincidence of votes. Palau has always been in the top three.</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/10/world/asia/ahead-of-world-war-ii-anniversary-questions-linger-over-stance-of-japans-premier.html|title=Ahead of World War II Anniversary, Questions Linger Over Stance of Japan's Premier|last=Fackler|first=Martin|date=9 April 2015|website=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=16 February 2020|archive-date=7 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107020247/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/10/world/asia/ahead-of-world-war-ii-anniversary-questions-linger-over-stance-of-japans-premier.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1981, Palau voted for the world's first nuclear-free constitution. This constitution banned the use, storage, and disposal of [[Nuclear weapon|nuclear]], [[Chemical weapon|toxic chemical]], gas, and [[biological weapon]]s without first being approved by a 75 percent majority in a referendum.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.paclii.org/pw/constitution.html|title=The Constitution of the Republic of Palau|date=2 April 1979|publisher=The Government of Palau|access-date=1 November 2009|archive-date=11 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111071200/http://www.paclii.org/pw/constitution.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This ban delayed Palau's transition to independence because while negotiating the compact, the U.S. insisted on the option to operate [[Nuclear marine propulsion|nuclear-propelled vessels]] and store nuclear weapons within the territory,<ref>{{cite web | title=Issues Associated. With Palau's Transition to Self-Government | url=http://archive.gao.gov/d26t7/139356.pdf | publisher=[[Government Accountability Office]] | date=July 1989 | access-date=1 November 2009 | archive-date=6 September 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090906175745/http://archive.gao.gov/d26t7/139356.pdf | url-status=live }}</ref> prompting campaigns for independence.<ref>{{citation|last=Morei|first=Cita|title=Pacific women speak out for independence and denuclearisation|year=1998|editor-last=de Ishtar|editor-first=Zohl|contribution=Planting the mustard seed of world peace|location=Christchurch, Aotearoa/New Zealand Annandale, New South Wales, Australia|publisher=Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (Aotearoa) Disarmament and Security Centre (Aotearoa) Pacific Connections|isbn=9780473056667|author-link=Cita Morei|editor-link=Zohl de Ishtar}}</ref> In 2017, Palau signed the United Nations [[Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XXVI-9&chapter=26&clang=_en |title=Chapter XXVI: Disarmament – No. 9 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons |publisher=United Nations Treaty Collection |date=7 July 2017 |access-date=16 September 2019 |archive-date=30 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230171334/https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XXVI-9&chapter=26&clang=_en |url-status=live }}</ref> Palau is a member of the [[Nauru Agreement]] for the Management of Fisheries.<ref name="radioaustralia">{{cite news |title=Pacific nations extend bans on tuna fishing |url=http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2010-10-05/pacific-nations-extend-bans-on-tuna-fishing/175350 |work=[[Radio Australia]] |publisher=[[East West Center]] |date=5 October 2010 |access-date=6 October 2010 |archive-date=12 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112123938/https://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2010-10-05/pacific-nations-extend-bans-on-tuna-fishing/175350 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Philippines, a neighboring ally of Palau to the west has expressed its intent to back Palau if ever it wishes to join [[Association of Southeast Asian Nations|ASEAN]].<ref name="mb.com.ph">{{Cite web|url=https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/16/ph-palau-agree-to-enhance-ties/|title=PH, Palau agree to enhance ties|website=Manila Bulletin|date=16 February 2018|access-date=20 March 2018|archive-date=22 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222040232/https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/16/ph-palau-agree-to-enhance-ties/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In June 2009, Palau announced that it would [[Uyghur detainees at Guantanamo Bay|accept up to seventeen]] [[Uyghurs]] who had previously been detained by the American military at [[Guantanamo Bay detention camp|Guantanamo Bay]],<ref name="Ctv2009-06-10"> {{Cite news | url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/pacific-state-palau-to-take-uighur-detainees-1.406458 | title=Pacific state Palau to take Uighur detainees | date=10 June 2009 | publisher=[[CTV News]] | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130101044630/http://www.ctvnews.ca/pacific-state-palau-to-take-uighur-detainees-1.406458 | archive-date=1 January 2013 | url-status=live | access-date=11 June 2009 }}</ref> with some American compensation for the cost of their upkeep.<ref name="Abc2009-06-10"> {{Cite news | url=http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/06/us-and-palau-wrangling-over-gitmo-transfer-details-including.html | title=US and Palau wrangling over Gitmo transfer details, including $$ | date=10 June 2009 | author=Kirit Radia | work=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090714001923/http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/06/us-and-palau-wrangling-over-gitmo-transfer-details-including.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=14 July 2009 }}</ref> Only one of the Uyghurs initially agreed to resettlement,<ref name="Rnzi2009-06-30">{{Cite news | url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=47454 | title=Palau Government still not sure if Uighurs are coming | date=30 June 2009 | publisher=[[Radio New Zealand International]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110904093538/http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=47454 | url-status=dead | archive-date=4 September 2011 | access-date=1 July 2009 }}</ref> but by the end of October, six of the seventeen had been transferred to Palau.<ref name="Afp2009-10-31"> {{Cite news | url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j256OdOnArVNzoV0oVLD3PRaY-bQ | title=Six Guantanamo Uighurs arrive in Palau: US | agency=[[Agence France-Presse]] | date=31 October 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524233036/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j256OdOnArVNzoV0oVLD3PRaY-bQ | url-status=dead | archive-date=24 May 2012 }}</ref> An aid agreement with the United States, finalized in January 2010, was reported to be unrelated to the Uyghur agreement.<ref> {{Cite news | url=http://australianetworknews.com/stories/201001/2804280.htm?desktop | title=Palau receives aid boost from US | website=australianetworknews.com | date=30 January 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511144914/http://australianetworknews.com/stories/201001/2804280.htm?desktop | archive-date=11 May 2011 | url-status=dead | quote=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. }}</ref> ===Administrative divisions=== {{Main|States of Palau}} [[File:States of Palau.jpg|thumb|The sixteen states of Palau]] [[File:Palau-CIA WFB Map.png|thumb|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: {| class="sortable wikitable" |- ! State ! Area (km<sup>2</sup>) ! Population 2015 Census ! Population 2020 Census ! Notes |- | [[File:Flag of Kayangel.svg|27px]] [[Kayangel]] | style="text-align:right;"|1.7 | style="text-align:right;"|54 | style="text-align:right;"|41 | Comprises the islands of Kayangel Atoll |- | [[File:Flag of Ngarchelong.svg|27px]] [[Ngarchelong]] | style="text-align:right;"|11.2 | style="text-align:right;"|316 | style="text-align:right;"|384 | At the northern end of Babeldaob Island |- | [[File:Flag of Ngaraard State.svg|27px]] [[Ngaraard]] | style="text-align:right;"|34 | style="text-align:right;"|413 | style="text-align:right;"|396 | At the northern end of Babeldaob Island, just south of Ngarchelong State |- | [[File:Flag of Ngardmau State.png|27px]] [[Ngardmau]] | style="text-align:right;"|34 | style="text-align:right;"|185 | style="text-align:right;"|238 | On the western side of Babeldaob Island |- | [[File:Flag of Ngeremlengui State, Palau.svg|27px]] [[Ngaremlengui]] | style="text-align:right;"|68 | style="text-align:right;"|350 | style="text-align:right;"|349 | On the western side of Babeldaob Island |- | [[File:Flag of Ngatpang.svg|27px]] [[Ngatpang]] | style="text-align:right;"|33 | style="text-align:right;"|282 | style="text-align:right;"|289 | On the western side of Babeldaob Island |- | [[File:Flag of Ngiwal State.png|27px]] [[Ngiwal]] | style="text-align:right;"|17 | style="text-align:right;"|282 | style="text-align:right;"|312 | On the eastern side of Babeldaob Island |- | [[File:Flag of Melekeok.svg|27px]] [[Melekeok]] | style="text-align:right;"|26 | style="text-align:right;"|277 | style="text-align:right;"|318 | On the eastern side of Babeldaob Island |- | [[File:Flag of Ngchesar State.png|27px]] [[Ngchesar]] | style="text-align:right;"|43 | style="text-align:right;"|291 | style="text-align:right;"|319 | On the eastern side of Babeldaob Island |- | [[File:Flag of Aimeliik.svg|27px]] [[Aimeliik]] | style="text-align:right;"|44 | style="text-align:right;"|334 | style="text-align:right;"|363 | In the southwestern part of Babeldaob Island |- | [[File:Flag of Airai State.png|27px]] [[Airai]] | style="text-align:right;"|59 | style="text-align:right;"|2,455 | style="text-align:right;"|2,529 | In the southeastern part of Babeldaob Island |- | [[File:Flag of Koror State.png|27px]] [[Koror]] | style="text-align:right;"|60.52 | style="text-align:right;"|11,444 | style="text-align:right;"|11,199 | Comprises Koror, [[Ngerekebesang Island|Ngerekebesang]], and [[Malakal Island]]s, plus the [[Rock Islands]] (Chelbacheb) and [[Eil Malk]] to the southwest |- | [[File:Flag of Peleliu.svg|27px]] [[Peleliu]] | style="text-align:right;"|22.3 | style="text-align:right;"|484 | style="text-align:right;"|470 | Comprises Peleliu Island and some islets to its north, notably Ngercheu |- | [[File:Flag of Angaur State.svg|27px]] [[Angaur]] | style="text-align:right;"|8.06 | style="text-align:right;"|119 | style="text-align:right;"|114 | Angaur Island, 12 km south of Peleliu |- | [[File:Flag of Sonsorol.svg|27px]] [[Sonsorol]] | style="text-align:right;"|3.1 | style="text-align:right;"|40 | style="text-align:right;"|53 | Comprises Sonsorol, [[Fana Island|Fanna]], Pulo Anna, and [[Merir]] Islands |- | [[File:Flag of Hatohobei.svg|27px]] [[Hatohobei]] | style="text-align:right;"|0.9 | style="text-align:right;"|25 | style="text-align:right;"|39 | Comprises [[Tobi (island)|Tobi Island]] and (uninhabited) Helen Reef |} Historically, Palau's [[Rock Islands]] have been part of the State of Koror. ===Maritime law enforcement=== [[File:Palau Maritime Police vessel.jpg|thumb|The ''[[Euatel]]'', ''[[Kabekl M’tal|Kabekl M'tal]]'' and ''[[PPS Bul|Bul]]'' provide littoral fishery protection.<ref name=IslandTimes2017-04-25/>]] Palau's [[Law enforcement in Palau|Division of Marine Law Enforcement]] patrols the nation's {{convert|230000|sqmi|km2|order=flip|abbr=off|sp=us}} [[exclusive economic zone]]. They operate two long-range patrol boats, the ''[[Kedam]]'' and the ''[[PSS Remeliik II|Remeliik II]]'', to hunt for poachers and unlicensed fishermen.<ref name=PacificNote2017-12-22/><ref name=PalauPresident2017-05-08/><ref name=PostGuam2016-03-03/> Smaller boats are used for littoral operations.<ref name=IslandTimes2017-04-25/> They are based on Koror.<ref>{{Citation | url = https://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/02/21/magazine/palau-vs-the-poachers.html | last = Urbina | first = Ian | title = Palau vs the Poachers | newspaper = [[The New York Times Magazine]] | pages = 40–49 | date = 21 February 2016 | quote = Nearly {{convert|9000|mi|km|disp=sqbr}} 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. | access-date = 23 April 2018 | archive-date = 20 April 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180420122937/https://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/02/21/magazine/palau-vs-the-poachers.html | url-status = live }}</ref> === Political economy === 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rethinking Palau's Place in the Free and Open Indo-Pacific| url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/06/rethinking-palaus-place-in-the-free-and-open-indo-pacific/|access-date=4 October 2021|website=thediplomat.com|archive-date=4 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004161510/https://thediplomat.com/2019/06/rethinking-palaus-place-in-the-free-and-open-indo-pacific/|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|date=23 September 2021|title=Palau's president urges the UN to include Taiwan – Taipei Times|url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2021/09/23/2003764847|access-date=4 October 2021|website=Taipei Times|archive-date=4 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004161510/https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2021/09/23/2003764847|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite thesis|last=Mita|first=Takashi|date=4 October 2021|title=Political futures of small-scale island-states in Pacific islands: Global dynamics and state-making in the Republic of Palau|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/304894523|type=PhD dissertation|publisher=University of Hawaiʻi|id={{ProQuest|304894523}}|via=Proquest|access-date=4 October 2021|archive-date=26 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326105528/https://www.proquest.com/docview/304894523|url-status=live}}</ref> ==Geography== {{Main|Geography of Palau}} [[File:Share_Of_Forest_Area_In_Total_Land_Area,_Top_Countries_(2021).svg|thumb|330x330px|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 [[Coral reef|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 (Palau)|Southwest Islands]], some {{convert|375|mi|km|order=flip|abbr=off|sp=us}} from the main islands, make up the states of Hatohobei and Sonsorol. ===Climate=== Palau has a [[tropical rainforest climate]] with an annual mean temperature of {{convert|28|C|abbr=on}}. Rainfall is heavy throughout the year, averaging {{convert|3800|mm|in|abbr=on}}. 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 cyclone]]s are quite rare. [[Typhoon Mike|Mike]], [[Typhoon Bopha|Bopha]] and [[Typhoon Haiyan|Haiyan]] are the only systems that struck Palau as typhoons on record.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kitamoto|first1=Asanobu|title=Tracking Chart Latitude 7.40N / Longitude 134.50E (±1)|url=http://agora.ex.nii.ac.jp/cgi-bin/dt/track_geo.pl?lat=7.4&latrange=1&lon=134.5&lonrange=1&lang=en&basin=wnp&t=0&b=14&type=1&size=128&R=100%2F180%2F0%2F60&M=57%2F557%2F29%2F404%0D%0A&sy=1951&ey=2019&month=0&category=3&category=4&category=5&tnum=1000|publisher=Digital Typhoon|access-date=9 May 2020|archive-date=12 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112131354/http://agora.ex.nii.ac.jp/cgi-bin/dt/track_geo.pl?lat=7.4&latrange=1&lon=134.5&lonrange=1&lang=en&basin=wnp&t=0&b=14&type=1&size=128&R=100/180/0/60&M=57/557/29/404%0D%0A&sy=1951&ey=2019&month=0&category=3&category=4&category=5&tnum=1000|url-status=live}}</ref>{{clear}} {{Weather box|location = Palau Islands (1961–1990) |metric first = yes |single line = yes |collapsed = yes |Jan high C = 30.6 |Feb high C = 30.6 |Mar high C = 30.9 |Apr high C = 31.3 |May high C = 31.4 |Jun high C = 31.0 |Jul high C = 30.6 |Aug high C = 30.7 |Sep high C = 30.9 |Oct high C = 31.1 |Nov high C = 31.4 |Dec high C = 31.1 |Jan mean C = 27.3 |Feb mean C = 27.2 |Mar mean C = 27.5 |Apr mean C = 27.9 |May mean C = 28.0 |Jun mean C = 27.6 |Jul mean C = 27.4 |Aug mean C = 27.5 |Sep mean C = 27.7 |Oct mean C = 27.7 |Nov mean C = 27.9 |Dec mean C = 27.7 |Jan low C = 23.9 |Feb low C = 23.9 |Mar low C = 24.1 |Apr low C = 24.4 |May low C = 24.5 |Jun low C = 24.2 |Jul low C = 24.1 |Aug low C = 24.3 |Sep low C = 24.5 |Oct low C = 24.4 |Nov low C = 24.4 |Dec low C = 24.2 |rain colour = green |Jan rain mm = 271.8 |Feb rain mm = 231.6 |Mar rain mm = 208.3 |Apr rain mm = 220.2 |May rain mm = 304.5 |Jun rain mm = 438.7 |Jul rain mm = 458.2 |Aug rain mm = 379.7 |Sep rain mm = 301.2 |Oct rain mm = 352.3 |Nov rain mm = 287.5 |Dec rain mm = 304.3 |Jan rain days = 19.0 |Feb rain days = 15.9 |Mar rain days = 16.7 |Apr rain days = 14.8 |May rain days = 20.0 |Jun rain days = 21.9 |Jul rain days = 21.0 |Aug rain days = 19.8 |Sep rain days = 16.8 |Oct rain days = 20.1 |Nov rain days = 18.7 |Dec rain days = 19.9 |Jan sun = 198.4 |Feb sun = 194.9 |Mar sun = 244.9 |Apr sun = 234.0 |May sun = 210.8 |Jun sun = 168.0 |Jul sun = 186.0 |Aug sun = 176.7 |Sep sun = 198.0 |Oct sun = 179.8 |Nov sun = 183.0 |Dec sun = 182.9 |source 1 = Hong Kong Observatory<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.weather.gov.hk/wxinfo/climat/world/eng/australia/pacific/palau_islands_e.htm |title=Climatological Information for Palau Islands, Pacific Islands, United States |publisher=Hong Kong Observatory |access-date=20 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001190819/http://www.weather.gov.hk/wxinfo/climat/world/eng/australia/pacific/palau_islands_e.htm |archive-date=1 October 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>|date=August 2010}} ===Environment=== [[File:Ngerukewid-2016-aerial-view-Luka-Peternel.jpg|thumb|Aerial view of [[Ngerukewid]]]] [[File:Rock-Islands-Palau-1-2016-aerial-view-Luka-Peternel.jpg|thumb|Aerial view of [[Rock Islands (Palau)|Rock Islands]]]] [[File:Palau-rock-islands20071222.jpg|thumb|[[Rock Islands (Palau)|Rock Islands]] in Palau]] [[File:Palau 2008030818 4709 (2347767520).jpg|thumb|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.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Wiles |first1=Gary J. |last2=Conry |first2=Paul J. |year=1990 |title=Terrestrial vertebrates of the Ngerukewid Islands Wildlife Preserve, Palau Islands |journal=Micronesica |volume=23 |issue=1 |pages=41–66}}</ref> While much of Palau remains free of [[environmental degradation]], areas of concern include illegal [[blast fishing|dynamite fishing]], inadequate [[waste management|solid waste disposal]] facilities in Koror, and extensive sand and coral [[dredging]] in the Palau lagoon. As with other Pacific island states, [[sea-level rise|rising sea level]] presents a major environmental threat. However, according to the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research average [[List of countries by carbon dioxide emissions per capita|carbon dioxide emissions per person]] were 60 tonnes in 2019, the highest in the world, and mostly from transport.<ref>{{cite book|title=Fossil CO<sub>2</sub> and GHG emissions of all world countries: 2019 report.|url=http://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/9d09ccd1-e0dd-11e9-9c4e-01aa75ed71a1/language-en|last1=Monforti-Ferrario|first1=F.|last2=Oreggioni|first2=G.|last3=Schaaf|first3=E.|last4=Guizzardi|first4=D.|last5=Olivier|first5=J.G.J.|last6=Solazzo|first6=E.|last7=Lo Vullo|first7=E.|last8=Crippa|first8=M.|last9=Muntean|first9=M.|last10=Vignati|first10=E.|publisher=Publications Office of the European Union|date=26 September 2019|website=op.europa.eu|isbn=9789276111009|access-date=20 May 2020|archive-date=8 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908142704/https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/9d09ccd1-e0dd-11e9-9c4e-01aa75ed71a1/language-en|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Clarify|reason=what kind of transport?|date=May 2020}} 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 [[fertilizer]]s and [[biocide]]s. One species of [[saltwater crocodile]], ''Crocodylus porosus'', is indigenous to Palau, occurring in varying numbers throughout the [[mangrove]]s 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.<ref>{{cite conference|title=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.|last1=Messel|first1=H.|last2=King|first2=F.W.|year=1992|volume=1|book-title=Proceedings of the 11th Working Meeting of the Crocodile Specialist Group of the Species Survival Commission of the IUCN – The World Conservation Union|publisher=IUCN – The World Conservation Union|location=Gland, Switzerland|isbn=9789820400115|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DCIWAQAAIAAJ|access-date=23 September 2021}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Webb|first1=Grahame J.W.|last2=Manolis|first2=S. Charlie|last3=Brien|first3=Matthew L.|date=2010|chapter=Saltwater Crocodile ''Crocodylus porosus''|pages=99–113|title=Crocodiles. Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan|edition=third|editor1-first=S.C.|editor1-last=Manolis|editor2-first=C.|editor2-last=Stevenson|publisher=Crocodile Specialist Group|location=Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia|chapter-url=https://www.iucncsg.org/365_docs/attachments/protarea/18%20--8088e67a.pdf|access-date=23 September 2021|archive-date=20 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720153839/https://www.iucncsg.org/365_docs/attachments/protarea/18%20--8088e67a.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> On 5 November 2005, [[Thomas Remengesau Jr.|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|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.<ref name="DinersteinOlson2017">{{cite journal|last1=Dinerstein|first1=Eric|last2=Olson|first2=David|last3=Joshi|first3=Anup|last4=Vynne|first4=Carly|last5=Burgess|first5=Neil D.|last6=Wikramanayake|first6=Eric|last7=Hahn|first7=Nathan|last8=Palminteri|first8=Suzanne|last9=Hedao|first9=Prashant|last10=Noss|first10=Reed|last11=Hansen|first11=Matt|last12=Locke|first12=Harvey|last13=Ellis|first13=Erle C|last14=Jones|first14=Benjamin|last15=Barber|first15=Charles Victor|last16=Hayes|first16=Randy|last17=Kormos|first17=Cyril|last18=Martin|first18=Vance|last19=Crist|first19=Eileen|last20=Sechrest|first20=Wes|last21=Price|first21=Lori|last22=Baillie|first22=Jonathan E. M.|last23=Weeden|first23=Don|last24=Suckling|first24=Kierán|last25=Davis|first25=Crystal|last26=Sizer|first26=Nigel|last27=Moore|first27=Rebecca|last28=Thau|first28=David|last29=Birch|first29=Tanya|last30=Potapov|first30=Peter|last31=Turubanova|first31=Svetlana|last32=Tyukavina|first32=Alexandra|last33=de Souza|first33=Nadia|last34=Pintea|first34=Lilian|last35=Brito|first35=José C.|last36=Llewellyn|first36=Othman A.|last37=Miller|first37=Anthony G.|last38=Patzelt|first38=Annette|last39=Ghazanfar|first39=Shahina A.|last40=Timberlake|first40=Jonathan|last41=Klöser|first41=Heinz|last42=Shennan-Farpón|first42=Yara|last43=Kindt|first43=Roeland|last44=Lillesø|first44=Jens-Peter Barnekow|last45=van Breugel|first45=Paulo|last46=Graudal|first46=Lars|last47=Voge|first47=Maianna|last48=Al-Shammari|first48=Khalaf F.|last49=Saleem|first49=Muhammad|display-authors=1|title=An Ecoregion-Based Approach to Protecting Half the Terrestrial Realm|journal=BioScience|volume=67|issue=6|year=2017|pages=534–545|issn=0006-3568|doi=10.1093/biosci/bix014|pmid=28608869|pmc=5451287|doi-access=free}}</ref> It had a 2019 [[Forest Landscape Integrity Index]] mean score of 8.09/10, ranking it 27th globally out of 172 countries.<ref name="FLII-Supplementary">{{cite journal|last1=Grantham|first1=H. S.|last2=Duncan|first2=A.|last3=Evans|first3=T. D.|last4=Jones|first4=K. R.|last5=Beyer|first5=H. L.|last6=Schuster|first6=R.|last7=Walston|first7=J.|last8=Ray|first8=J. C.|last9=Robinson|first9=J. G.|last10=Callow|first10=M.|last11=Clements|first11=T.|last12=Costa|first12=H. M.|last13=DeGemmis|first13=A.|last14=Elsen|first14=P. R.|last15=Ervin|first15=J.|last16=Franco|first16=P.|last17=Goldman|first17=E.|last18=Goetz|first18=S.|last19=Hansen|first19=A.|last20=Hofsvang|first20=E.|last21=Jantz|first21=P.|last22=Jupiter|first22=S.|last23=Kang|first23=A.|last24=Langhammer|first24=P.|last25=Laurance|first25=W. F.|last26=Lieberman|first26=S.|last27=Linkie|first27=M.|last28=Malhi|first28=Y.|last29=Maxwell|first29=S.|last30=Mendez|first30=M.|last31=Mittermeier|first31=R.|last32=Murray|first32=N. J.|last33=Possingham|first33=H.|last34=Radachowsky|first34=J.|last35=Saatchi|first35=S.|last36=Samper|first36=C.|last37=Silverman|first37=J.|last38=Shapiro|first38=A.|last39=Strassburg|first39=B.|last40=Stevens|first40=T.|last41=Stokes|first41=E.|last42=Taylor|first42=R.|last43=Tear|first43=T.|last44=Tizard|first44=R.|last45=Venter|first45=O.|last46=Visconti|first46=P.|last47=Wang|first47=S.|last48=Watson|first48=J. E. M.|display-authors=1|title=Anthropogenic modification of forests means only 40% of remaining forests have high ecosystem integrity – Supplementary Material|journal=Nature Communications|volume=11|issue=1|year=2020|page=5978|issn=2041-1723|doi=10.1038/s41467-020-19493-3|pmid=33293507|pmc=7723057|bibcode=2020NatCo..11.5978G |doi-access=free}}</ref> The country is vulnerable to earthquakes, [[volcano|volcanic activity]], and [[tropical cyclone|tropical storms]]. ===Shark sanctuary=== On 25 September 2009, Palau announced that it would create the world's first [[shark sanctuary]].<ref name="Palau creates world's first shark haven">{{cite web|url=http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=508795&publicationSubCategoryId=200|title=Palau creates world's first shark haven|date=26 September 2009|access-date=28 September 2009|work=[[The Philippine Star]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104125625/http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=508795&publicationSubCategoryId=200|archive-date=4 January 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Palau banned all commercial shark fishing within the waters of its [[exclusive economic zone]]. The sanctuary protects about {{convert|600000|km2|sqmi|sp=us}} of ocean,<ref>{{Cite news|date=25 September 2009 | author= Richard Black |title= Palau pioneers 'shark sanctuary'|url=http://usproxy.bbc.com/2/hi/science/nature/8272508.stm | work = BBC News |access-date=15 January 2023|archive-date=1 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091001201027/http://usproxy.bbc.com/2/hi/science/nature/8272508.stm|url-status=dead}}</ref> a similar size to France.<ref name="Palau's EEZ becomes shark sanctuary"/><ref name="World's first shark sanctuary created by Pacific island of Palau">{{Cite news|author=Sophie Tedmanson|url=https://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6848627.ece|title=World's first shark sanctuary created by Pacific island of Palau|date=26 September 2009|access-date=28 September 2009|work=[[The Times]]|location=London|archive-date=11 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111081427/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6848627.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="France-Size Shark Sanctuary Created -- A First">{{cite web|author=Ker Than|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/09/090925-sharks-sanctuary-palau.html|title=France-Size Shark Sanctuary Created – A First|date=25 September 2009|access-date=28 September 2009|work=[[National Geographic Society|National Geographic]]|archive-date=10 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110105831/https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/09/090925-sharks-sanctuary-palau.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> President [[Johnson Toribiong]] announced the sanctuary at a meeting of the United Nations.<ref name="Palau's EEZ becomes shark sanctuary">{{cite news|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-09/27/content_12117618.htm|title=Palau's EEZ becomes shark sanctuary|date=27 September 2009|access-date=28 September 2009|agency=[[Xinhua News Agency]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090930054317/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-09/27/content_12117618.htm|archive-date=30 September 2009}}</ref><ref name="Palau creates shark sanctuary to protect tourism and prevent overfishing">{{cite web|url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=49344|title=Palau creates shark sanctuary to protect tourism and prevent overfishing|date=27 September 2009|access-date=28 September 2009|publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]]|archive-date=11 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111081424/http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=49344|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Palau to Ban Shark Fishing">{{Cite news|author=Cornelia Dean|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/25/science/earth/25shark.html|title=Palau to Ban Shark Fishing|date=24 September 2009|access-date=28 September 2009|work=[[The New York Times]]|archive-date=11 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111081425/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/25/science/earth/25shark.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Toribiong proposed a worldwide ban on fishing for sharks.<ref name="Palau's EEZ becomes shark sanctuary"/> In 2012, Palau received the Future Policy Award from [[World Future Council]], because "Palau is a global leader in protecting marine ecosystems".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/international/tiny-nation-of-palau-proves-sharks-worth-more-alive-than-dead/551759 |work=Jakarta Globe |title=Tiny Nation of Palau Proves Sharks Worth More Alive Than Dead |date=22 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027025150/http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/international/tiny-nation-of-palau-proves-sharks-worth-more-alive-than-dead/551759 |archive-date=27 October 2012 }}</ref> ==Economy== {{Main|Economy of Palau}} [[File:German-Channel-2016-aerial-view-Luka-Peternel.jpg|thumb|The artificially made [[German Channel]] is one of the most popular [[Underwater diving|dive]] [[Recreational dive sites|sites]]. It is also a major transport route for boats that connects the lagoon to the Pacific Ocean in the south-west.]] [[File:Koror-Babeldaob-Bridge-2016-Luka-Peternel.jpg|thumb|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 [[Coral reef|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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Footer |first=Mark |date=13 April 2022 |title=Being a sustainable tourist earns special rewards in this island country |language=en |work=South China Morning Post |location=Hong Kong |url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3174011/where-sustainable-tourism-rewarded-special-cultural |access-date=1 May 2022 |archive-date=13 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213132639/https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3174011/where-sustainable-tourism-rewarded-special-cultural |url-status=live }}</ref> 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|date=July 2024}} 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.<ref>{{Citation |last=Veuillemey |first=Guillaume |title=Evading Corporate Responsibilities: Evidence from the Shipping Industry |date=13 November 2020 |url=https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3691188 |access-date=18 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118132304/https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3691188 |url-status=live |doi=10.2139/ssrn.3691188 |s2cid=226364450 |ssrn=3691188 |archive-date=18 November 2022}}</ref> 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|date=July 2024}} In November 2006, [[Pacific Saving Bank]] officially announced bankruptcy. On 13 December 2006, the ''[[Palau Horizon]]'' reported that 641 [[deposit account|depositors]] had been affected. Among them, 398 held less than [[United States dollar|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tw.news.yahoo.com/article/url/d/a/101220/2/2jatl.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224064906/http://tw.news.yahoo.com/article/url/d/a/101220/2/2jatl.html |archive-date=24 December 2010 |publisher=udn.com Center| access-date=20 December 2010|title=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)|author=李光儀、王光慈}}</ref> The income tax has three brackets with [[progressive tax|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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.palaugov.pw/taxreform/#1668474363337-6a400835-7325 |website=palaugov.pw |access-date=14 February 2023 |title=Palau Tax Reform – PalauGov.pw |archive-date=14 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214195954/https://www.palaugov.pw/taxreform/#1668474363337-6a400835-7325 |url-status=live }}</ref> There are no [[property tax]]es. Major tourist draws in Palau include Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1386/|title=Rock Islands Southern Lagoon|first=UNESCO World Heritage|last=Centre|website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre|access-date=14 April 2019|archive-date=14 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414152025/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1386/|url-status=live}}</ref> and four tentative UNESCO sites, namely, [[Ngebedech Terraces|Ouballang ra Ngebedech (Ngebedech Terraces)]], [[Imeong Conservation Area]], Yapease Quarry Sites, and [[Tet el Bad Stone Coffin|Tet el Bad (Stone Coffin)]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/pw/|title=Palau|first=UNESCO World Heritage|last=Centre|website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre|access-date=14 April 2019|archive-date=14 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414152019/https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/pw/|url-status=live}}</ref> ==Healthcare== 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.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.dermsinica.org/article.asp?issn=1027-8117;year=2020;volume=38;issue=2;spage=94;epage=97;aulast=Thong;type=0|title=Dermatoses in children in the Republic of Palau|first1=Haw-Yueh|last1=Thong|first2=Chung-Kuan|last2=Wu|first3=Ching-Hwa|last3=Lin|first4=Te-Yu|last4=Lo|first5=Chieh-Chen|last5=Huang|date=1 April 2020|journal=Dermatologica Sinica|volume=38|issue=2|pages=94|via=dermsinica.org|doi=10.4103/ds.ds_2_20|s2cid=218927684|access-date=4 January 2022|archive-date=4 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104061600/https://www.dermsinica.org/article.asp?issn=1027-8117;year=2020;volume=38;issue=2;spage=94;epage=97;aulast=Thong;type=0|url-status=live|doi-access=free}}</ref> There are no dermatologists or ophthalmologists (eye specialists) in Palau.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://retinatoday.com/articles/2017-jan-feb/volunteer-surgery-in-the-republic-of-palau|title=Volunteer Surgery in the Republic of Palau|website=Retina Today|access-date=3 January 2022|archive-date=3 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103015907/https://retinatoday.com/articles/2017-jan-feb/volunteer-surgery-in-the-republic-of-palau|url-status=live}}</ref> VEGF drugs for diabetic eye diseases cannot be given for eye conditions so laser surgery is done by visiting American ophthalmologists.<ref name="auto" /> Belau National Hospital cannot treat certain brain hemorrhages necessitating emergency airlift to Taiwan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=10&post=119788|title=ROC doctors, nurses praised by Palau official for lifesaving surgery|first=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of|last=China (Taiwan)|date=11 August 2017|website=Taiwan Today|access-date=3 January 2022|archive-date=3 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103015907/https://taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=10&post=119788|url-status=live}}</ref> ==Transportation== [[File:Palau International Airport 1.JPG|thumb|[[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.<ref>{{cite news|title=Palau's PacificFlier relooks business plan after suspension|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/08/13/346121/palaus-pacificflier-relooks-business-plan-after-suspension.html|author=Ghim-Lay Yeo|work=FlightGlobal|access-date=13 September 2011|archive-date=16 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100816155132/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/08/13/346121/palaus-pacificflier-relooks-business-plan-after-suspension.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.airlineratings.com/news/passenger-news/nauru-airlines-launches-direct-brisbane-palau-flights/|title=Nauru Airlines Launches Direct Brisbane-Palau Flights|first=Geoffrey|last=Thomas|date=5 May 2024}}</ref> Freight, military, and cruise ships often call at Malaehaka Harbor, on [[Malakal Island]] outside Koror. The country has no railways, and of the {{convert|61|km|mi|0|abbr=on|disp=or}} of highways, only {{convert|36|km|mi|0|abbr=on|disp=or}} are paved. Driving is on the right, and the speed limit is {{convert|40|km/h|0|abbr=on}}. 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<ref>{{cite web|url=http://outofyourcomfortzone.net/all-the-schedules-and-prices-for-palaus-state-boat-between-koror-peleliu-and-angaur/|title=All the Schedules and Prices for Palau's State Ferries between Koror, Peliliu and Angour|date=17 February 2016|access-date=1 March 2016|archive-date=7 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307021732/http://outofyourcomfortzone.net/all-the-schedules-and-prices-for-palaus-state-boat-between-koror-peleliu-and-angaur/|url-status=live}}</ref> between islands as a cheaper alternative. ==Demographics== {{Main|Demographics of Palau}} {{Historical populations |percentages = on |source = {{unbulleted list|{{cite web|title=Island Areas|website=U.S. Census Bureau|url=https://www.census.gov/history/www/programs/geography/island_areas.html}}| {{cite web|title=Census of Population and Housing|website=PalauGov.pw|url=https://www.palaugov.pw/executive-branch/ministries/finance/budgetandplanning/census-of-population-and-housing/}}}} |1958 |8987 |1970 |11210 |1980 |12116 |1990 |15122 |1995 |17225 |2000 |19129 |2005 |19907 |2015 |17661 |2020 |17614 }} The population of Palau is approximately 21,779 (2023),<ref>{{Cite web |title=International Database |url=https://www.census.gov/data-tools/demo/idb/#/country?COUNTRY_YEAR=2023&COUNTRY_YR_ANIM=2023&FIPS_SINGLE=PS |access-date=2023-06-05 |website=www.census.gov |archive-date=8 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208114205/http://www.census.gov/population/international/data/idb/informationGateway.php#/country?COUNTRY_YEAR=2023&COUNTRY_YR_ANIM=2023&FIPS_SINGLE=PS |url-status=live }}</ref> 73% of whom are native Palauans of mixed [[Melanesia]]n and [[Austronesian peoples|Austronesian]] descent. There are many Asian communities within Palau. [[Filipinos in 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 in Palau|Chinese]] and [[Koreans in Micronesia|Koreans]]. There are also smaller numbers of Palauans of mixed or full [[Japanese settlement in Palau|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.<ref>{{cite book|author=R. G. Crocombe|title=Asia in the Pacific Islands: Replacing the West|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iDg9oAkwsXAC|year=2007|publisher=editorips@usp.ac.fj|isbn=978-982-02-0388-4|pages=60, 61|access-date=22 August 2017|archive-date=27 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027170548/https://books.google.com/books?id=iDg9oAkwsXAC|url-status=live}}</ref> There are also small numbers of Europeans and Americans. ===Languages=== The official languages of Palau are [[Palauan language|Palauan]] and English, except in two states ([[Sonsorol]] and [[Hatohobei]]) where the local languages, [[Sonsorolese language|Sonsorolese]] and [[Tobian language|Tobian]], respectively, along with Palauan, are official. [[Japanese language|Japanese]] is spoken by<!--Content up to here is verified--> some older{{citation needed|date=July 2024}} Palauans, and is an official language in [[Angaur]].<ref name="cia-factbook">{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2098.html |title=CIA – The World Factbook – Field Listing :: Languages |publisher=[[Central Intelligence Agency]] |access-date=17 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090513125710/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2098.html |archive-date=13 May 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="ethnologue">{{cite web|url=http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=Palau |title=Languages of Palau |publisher=SIL International |editor-first=Paul M. |editor-last=Lewis |year=2009 |access-date=17 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529021918/http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=Palau |archive-date=29 May 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 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. [[Palauan English|A local dialect]] influenced by [[Philippine English]] is developing. ===Religion=== {{Main|Religion in Palau}} According to the 2020 census, 46.9% of the population is [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]], 25.9% [[Protestant]] (primarily [[Evangelical Christianity|evangelical]]), 5% [[Seventh-day Adventism|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.<ref name="2020Census"/> 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.<ref>Brigham Young University—Hawaii Campus (1981), p. 36</ref> There are approximately 400 [[Bengalis|Bengali]] Muslims. ==Culture== {{See also|Music of Palau}} [[File:A traditional Palauan hut, 2012.jpg|thumb|A traditional Palauan [[Bai (house)|''bai'']]]] Palauan society follows a very strict [[Matrilineality|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 (vegetable)|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. [[Megabat|Fruit bat]] soup is a Palauan delicacy.<ref>{{cite news |date=12 June 2016 |title=Fruit bat soup has chicken-like taste |work=Newcastle Herald |url=https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/3960841/fruit-bat-soup-has-chicken-like-taste/ |url-status=live |access-date=9 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309182921/http://www.theherald.com.au/story/3960841/fruit-bat-soup-has-chicken-like-taste/ |archive-date=9 March 2018}}</ref> 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 [[Areca nut|betel nuts]]. A dessert called ''tama'' was developed in Palau.<ref>{{cite web |date=20 December 2016 |title=Tama – A Year Cooking the World |url=https://ayearcookingtheworld.com/tag/tama/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125015618/https://ayearcookingtheworld.com/tag/tama/ |archive-date=25 January 2018 |access-date=24 January 2018 |website=ayearcookingtheworld.com}}</ref> ===Traditional government=== {{main|Traditional chiefs of Palau}} === Newspapers === Palau has several newspapers:<ref>{{cite web|last=Dawrs|first=Stu|title=Research Guides: Pacific Islands Newspapers : Palau|url=https://guides.library.manoa.hawaii.edu/c.php?g=105813&p=687891|access-date=16 September 2020|website=guides.library.manoa.hawaii.edu|archive-date=26 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126202854/https://guides.library.manoa.hawaii.edu/c.php?g=105813&p=687891|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Homepage|url=https://islandtimes.org/|access-date=16 September 2020|website=Island Times|archive-date=17 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917013125/https://islandtimes.org/|url-status=live}}</ref> * ''Rengel Belau'' (1983–1985) * ''Tia Belau'' (1992–present) * ''Island Times'' ===Sports=== [[Baseball in Palau|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 Palauan to play in the MLB. Palau has a [[Palau national football team|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== 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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scholaro.com/pro/countries/Palau/Education-System|title=Palau Education System|website=Scholaro|access-date=21 June 2016|archive-date=6 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206184838/https://www.scholaro.com/pro/countries/Palau/Education-System|url-status=live}}</ref> ==See also== {{Portal|Geography|Islands|Oceania}} * [[Index of Palau-related articles]] * [[Outline of Palau]] {{Clear}} ==References== {{reflist|30em|refs= <ref name=IslandTimes2017-04-25>{{cite news |url = http://islandtimes.us/euatel-patrol-boat-handover-today/ |title = "Euatel" patrol boat handover today |website = islandtimes.us |author = L.N. Reklai |date = 25 April 2017 |access-date = 22 April 2018 |quote = 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. |archive-date = 23 April 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180423070801/http://islandtimes.us/euatel-patrol-boat-handover-today/ |url-status = live }}</ref> <ref name=PacificNote2017-12-22>{{cite news |url = https://www.pacificnote.com/single-post/2017/12/22/Palau-Gets-New-Patrol-Boat |title = Palau Gets New Patrol Boat |website = www.pacificnote.com/ |author = Ongerung Kambes Kesolei, Tia Belau |date = 22 December 2017 |access-date = 22 April 2018 |archive-date = 23 April 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180423170003/https://www.pacificnote.com/single-post/2017/12/22/Palau-Gets-New-Patrol-Boat |url-status = live }}</ref> <ref name=PalauPresident2017-05-08> {{cite news | url = https://m.facebook.com/PalauPresident/posts/819715191513915 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/167766706708770/819715191513915 |archive-date=26 February 2022 |url-access=limited| title = Operation Kaukledm | date = 8 May 2017 | access-date = 22 April 2018 }}{{cbignore}} </ref> <ref name=PostGuam2016-03-03> {{cite news | url = https://www.postguam.com/news/pacific/palau-s-maritime-surveillance-gets-boost-with-new-patrol-boat/article_2c19ebce-e06f-11e5-8934-c71e0c84b155.html | title = Palau's maritime surveillance gets boost with new patrol boat | website = www.postguam.com | author = Bernadette H. Carreon | date = 3 March 2016 | location = [[Koror City|Koror]], Palau | access-date = 22 April 2018 | quote = 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. }} </ref> }} ===Notes=== {{notelist}} ==External links== {{Sister project links|voy=Palau|d=Q695}} === Government === * [https://www.palaugov.pw/ Republic of Palau National Government] * [http://palauembassy.or.jp/en/ Embassy of the Republic of Palau in Japan] * [https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/palau/ Chief of State and Cabinet Members] * [https://palauconsulate.org.uk/ Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Palau to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland] * [https://www.palauconsulate.be/index.php/en/ Honorary Consulate-General of Palau to Belgium] === Local News === * ''[https://islandtimes.org/ Island Times]'' * [http://palauwaveradio.com/ Palau Wave Radio] * [https://www.pacificnote.com/ Pacific Note] === General information === * [https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/palau/ Palau]. ''[[The World Factbook]]''. [[Central Intelligence Agency]]. * [https://web.archive.org/web/20080607085400/http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/govpubs/for/palau.htm Palau] from the University of Colorado at Boulder Libraries (USA) – Government Publications * [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15446659 Palau profile] from the [[BBC News]] * [https://www.britannica.com/place/Palau "Palau"]—''[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]'' entry * {{Wikiatlas|Palau}} * [https://www.weather.gov/gum/Palau NOAA's National Weather Service – Palau] * [https://www.loc.gov/resource/rbc0001.2008prince09673/ ''The Interesting History of Prince Lee Boo, Brought to England from the Pelew Islands'']—From the Collections at the Library of Congress {{Palau topics}} {{Navboxes |title = Articles relating to Palau |list = {{Countries and territories of Oceania}} {{Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)}} {{Spanish Empire}} }} {{Authority control}} {{Coord|7|30|N|134|30|E|display=title}} [[Category:Palau| ]] [[Category:1994 establishments in Oceania]] [[Category:Archipelagoes of the Pacific Ocean]] [[Category:Associated states of the United States]] [[Category:Caroline Islands|*]] [[Category:Countries in Micronesia]] [[Category:Countries in Oceania]] [[Category:Countries and territories where English is an official language]] [[Category:Former colonies in Oceania]] [[Category:Former German colonies]] [[Category:Former Japanese colonies]] [[Category:Former Spanish colonies]] [[Category:German New Guinea]] [[Category:Insular areas of the United States]] [[Category:Island countries]] [[Category:Islands of Oceania]] [[Category:Members of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization]] [[Category:Member states of the United Nations]] [[Category:Republics]] [[Category:Small Island Developing States]] [[Category:South Seas Mandate]] [[Category:Spanish East Indies]] [[Category:States and territories established in 1994]] [[Category:Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands]]
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