The Republic of Palau – or Belau, as it is also known – is a small island country in Micronesia. It has an area of 458 km 2 and is composed of a group of islands known as Palau Islands and four coral islands: Sonsorol, Merir, Pulo Anna and Tobi. It is located in the western Pacific Ocean, with the Philippine seas to the west, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea to the south and the Federated States of Micronesia to the east. On October 7, 2006, the seat of the government was transferred from Koror to Melekeok, in order to better distribute political power among the different states of the country.
Despite being nominally an independent country, Palau signed a Free Association Treaty with the United States of America.
Climate
The climate is tropical with a hot and rainy season and a less hot and dry one. The annual average temperature is around 27 ºC.
Economy
The economy of this country is based on activities in the primary sector: agriculture (coconut, cassava, bananas, sweet potatoes) and fishing. Tourism and copra exports are the country’s main revenues. The country’s trading partners are the United States of America and Taiwan.
Population
Palau had, in 2006, 20 579 residents, estimated to reach 24 300 residents in 2025. The birth and death rates are, respectively, 18.03% o and 6.8% o. Average life expectancy reaches 70.42 years.
Art and culture
In addition to being good canoe builders, the palauanos developed sculpture and handicrafts from fabrics and everyday objects. Dance and music (flute and sea shell) are cultural manifestations of great interest.
History
The first residents of these islands date back 3000 years. Although they were discovered by the Spaniards in the 16th century, it was only in the 19th century, after the Spanish-American War, that Spain sold the islands to Germany. From 1914 these islands started to be occupied and administered by Japan. With the defeat of this country in the Second World War, the United States of America started to administer them as an integral part of the United Nations Pacific Islands Protectorate. After a long transition period in 1994, the Paluan people voted in favor of a Free Association Treaty with the USA. Since October 1, 1994, Palau has been an independent republic in free association with the United States.
Countryaah.com: Offers a full list of airports in the country of Palau Islands, sorted by city location and acronyms.
Abbreviationfinder.org: Provides most commonly used abbreviations and initials containing the country name of Palau Islands. Listed by popularity.
Palau – Emulate Me
View a map of the island chain, and use the provided links to learn about the island, including government and economy details.
Website: http://www.emulateme.com/palau.htm
Palau – National Geographic
Satellite imaging and political map-making create a zoomable map of this Oceania country, with cities, rivers and topography.
