Palau

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

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

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

Etymology

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

History

Main article: History of Palau

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

During World War II, battles took place in Palau, and many soldiers from both sides lost their lives. After the war, Palau was under United Nations supervision before becoming fully independent in 1981. Since then, Palau has focused on protecting its natural environment, creating special areas where fishing is not allowed and promising to keep its waters clean.

Politics and government

Main article: Politics of Palau

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

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

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

Foreign relations

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

Palau has close ties with Japan, which has helped build important structures like the Koror–Babeldaob Bridge. In 1981, Palau created a nuclear-free constitution, banning certain weapons unless approved by a large majority of people.

Administrative divisions

Main article: States of Palau

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

Maritime law enforcement

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

Geography

Main article: Geography of Palau

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

Palau has a warm, rainy climate with lots of sunshine. It sometimes gets big storms, but strong ones are rare. The country works hard to protect its nature. There are areas set aside for wildlife, and Palau has made a big promise to protect its oceans and forests. One special effort is a large area where fishing sharks is not allowed, to help keep the ocean healthy.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Palau

Palau's economy is based mainly on tourism, farming for personal use, and fishing. Many visitors come to Palau to dive and explore the beautiful underwater world, including old shipwrecks from World War II. In April 2022, Palau started a program called Ol'au Palau to help protect its nature and traditions. The government employs the most people and depends on support from the United States. In the year 2000–2001, about 50,000 people visited Palau as tourists or for business.

Palau’s people have about twice the average income of nearby Micronesia. The future of tourism looks bright because more people can travel to the Pacific Rim, countries in East Asia are becoming wealthier, and foreign investors are helping build new infrastructure.

Palau uses a special tax called the Palau Goods and Services Tax, which is 10% on most goods and services. There are no taxes on property. Popular places for tourists include the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a important site recognized by UNESCO, and several other special areas like Ouballang ra Ngebedech (Ngebedech Terraces), Imeong Conservation Area, Yapease Quarry Sites, and Tet el Bad (Stone Coffin).

Healthcare

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

Transportation

Palau International Airport offers direct flights to places like Guam, Manila, Brisbane, and Taipei. Some airlines that used to fly there have stopped, but others still provide regular service. In May 2024, Nauru Airlines began flying to Brisbane, Australia, and later Qantas took over this route with a special flight called the “Palau Paradise Express.”

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

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Palau

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

Palau's official languages are Palauan and English. Other languages spoken there include Sonsorolese, Tobian, and Angaur, which are used in certain areas. English is widely used in schools and everyday life.

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

Culture

See also: Music of Palau

Palauan society follows a strict system where family traditions are led by women. This influences many important events like weddings, passing down property, and special ceremonies.

The food in Palau includes local items such as cassava, taro, yam, potatoes, fish, and pork. The cooking style has been shaped by nearby cultures like Japan, America, and the Philippines. One special local dish is fruit bat soup. Popular drinks include a coconut-based drink from trees, a drink from kava roots, and chewing betel nuts. Palau also has a dessert named tama.

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

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

Education

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