World Atlas: Palau. On this page you can see the map, country flag and many detailed information about the people, history and economy of Palau.
Here you can find online selected information about the geography, inhabitants, government, economy and history of Palau. Included are selected statistics, an overview map and the detailed map of Palau. But let's start with the flag of Palau here:
Palau - Overview:
What you should know about Palau? Let's start with this: After three decades as part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific under US administration, this westernmost cluster of the Caroline Islands opted for independence in 1978 rather than join the Federated States of Micronesia. A Compact of Free Association with the US was approved in 1986 but not ratified until 1993. It entered into force the following year when the islands gained independence.
Geography of Palau
Where on the globe is Palau? The location of this country is Oceania, group of islands in the North Pacific Ocean, southeast of the Philippines. Total area of Palau is 459 sq km, of which 459 sq km is land. So this is quite a small country. How could we describe the terrain of the country? This way: varying topography from the high, mountainous main island of Babelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by large barrier reefs. The lowest point of Palau is Pacific Ocean 0 m, the highest point Mount Ngerchelchuus 242 m. And the climate is tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to Novembe.
Inhabitants of Palau
Let's take a look how many people live in Palau. The number is: 21,431 (July 2017 est.). So not so many people live here. Who lives here? Palauan (Micronesian with Malayan and Melanesian admixtures) 73%, Carolinian 2%, Asian 21.7%, caucasian 1.2%, other 2.1% (2015 est.). What are the languages in Palau? Palauan (official on most islands) 65.2%, other Micronesian 1.9%, English (official) 19.1%, Filipino 9.9%, Chinese 1.2%, other 2.8%. And the religions: Roman Catholic 45.3%, Protestant 34.9% (includes Evangelical 26.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 6.9%, Assembly of God .9%, Baptist .7%), Modekngei 5.7% (indigenous to Palau), Muslim 3%, Mormon 1.5%, other 9.7% (2015 est.). How old are the people in average? 33.4 years. We have to add that this number is the median - so one half of the people is older than this, one half is younger. And what is their life expectancy (at birth)? This: 73.4 years. Where the people live in Palau? Here: most of the population is located on the southern end of the main island of Babelthuap. The major urban areas of Palau are: Melekeok (capital) 299 (2012).
Government and Economy of Palau
The capital of Palau is Ngerulmud and the government type presidential republic in free association with the US. Let's take a look at the administrative divisions - 16 states; Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Hatohobei, Kayangel, Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngarchelong, Ngardmau, Ngatpang, Ngchesar, Ngeremlengui, Ngiwal, Peleliu, Sonsorol. Regarding the economy of Palau, important industrial products are tourism, fishing, subsistence agriculture. Important agricultural products are coconuts, cassava (manioc, tapioca), sweet potatoes; fish, pigs, chickens, eggs, bananas, papaya, breadfruit, calamansi, soursop, Polynesian chestnuts, Polynesian almonds, mangoes, taro, guava, beans, cucumbers, squash/pumpkins (various), eggplant, green onions, kangkong (watercress), cabbages (various), radishes, betel nuts, melons, peppers, noni, okra. The most important export commodities are shellfish, tuna, other fish (many species) and the most important export partners are Greece 82.4%, US 6.9% (2016). The most important import commodities are machinery and equipment, fuels, metals; foodstuffs and the most important import partners are US 24.6%, Japan 19.8%, China 14.3%, Guam 14.2%, Philippines 4.4% (2016). How rich is Palau and how rich are people in this country? The most important number here is GDP per capita (PPP): $16,700 (2017 est.). This is quite good. Let's add that this means Gross Domestic Product per person, which is recalculated with respect to the relative cost of local goods and services. And one more important number - population below poverty line: NA%.