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Palau

Region
🌍 Oceania
Population
👥 16
Currency
💱 United States dollar
Languages
🗣️ English, Palauan
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 34 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of Palau
Continent
Oceania
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Palauan
Independence
October 1, 1994 (from the United States-administered UN trusteeship)
Top-Level Domain
.pw
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+680
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+09:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Ngerulmud
ISO Alpha-2
PW
ISO Alpha-3
PLW
UN Code
585
Geographic Coordinates
7.5,134.5
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
459#202 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
16,733#225 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
38.54
Highest Point (m)
242 meters (Mount Ngerchelchauus)
Lowest Point (m)
0 meters (Pacific Ocean)
Land Use
Agricultural land accounts for a small percentage; most land is covered by forests or used for other purposes.
Irrigated Land
Irrigated land is minimal.
Coastline Length
1,519 km
Climate
Tropical; hot and humid; rainy season from May to November
Natural Resources
Timber, minerals (small deposits), marine products
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
No land borders
Major Rivers
This island nation has no major rivers.
Major Lakes
This island nation has no major lakes.
Government Type
Republic
Administrative Divisions
16 states
Legal System
Based on U.S. common law
Chief of State
President Surangel Whipps Jr.
Head of Government
President Surangel Whipps Jr.
Cabinet
The Cabinet is appointed by the President.
Elections
President and Vice President elected by popular vote; National Congress elected by popular vote.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court, National Court, and various lower courts.
Legislative Branch
Bicameral National Congress (Olbiil Era Kelulau) consisting of the Senate and the House of Delegates.
Major Political Parties
There are no formally organized political parties; political figures usually run as independents.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
United States dollar
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
0.35#207 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
0.41#198 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
19,532.36#77 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
2.73
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
13.02
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
73.08
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
-0.42#184 of 191
Labor Force (people)
Palau's labor force is relatively small, estimated to be around 12,000 people.
Unemployment Rate (%)
Unemployment in Palau fluctuates; recent figures are difficult to obtain.
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (2019)Checked September 29, 2026
85.2
Budget
Palau's budget is primarily funded by tourism revenue and foreign aid.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.11#187 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.24#191 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Information on Palau's foreign reserves fluctuates and is subject to economic reports.
Currency Exchange
US dollar is the official currency; exchange rates are readily available at local banks and hotels.
GDP by Sector
Tourism, fishing, and government services are the primary economic sectors.
Major Industries
Tourism, fishing, and government services are the primary industries.
Major Export Partners
Major export partners include Japan, and the United States, but data varies yearly.
Major Import Partners
Major import partners include the United States, Japan, and Singapore.

Society

Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2020)Checked September 29, 2026
99.84#10 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
10.7
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
11.7
Net Migration Rate
Palau's net migration rate fluctuates; data is available through economic reports.
Median Age
The median age in Palau is around 35-40 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
79.28#62 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Urbanization in Palau is relatively stable, with limited annual changes.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
69.4#154 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence in Palau is low.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
10.85
Ethnic Groups
The population is predominantly Palauan, with significant minorities of Filipino, Chinese, and other Micronesian groups.
Religions
Christianity is the dominant religion, with Roman Catholicism and Protestantism being the main denominations; there are also smaller communities of other faiths.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
English, Palauan

Education

Education System
Palau's education system follows a US-based model, with primary, secondary, and higher education levels.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2013)Checked September 29, 2026
16.6
Government Education Spending
Government expenditure on education accounts for a significant portion of the national budget.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Palau Community College is the primary institution for higher education.

Culture

Cultural Overview
Palauan culture is a blend of traditional Micronesian practices and Western influences, strongly tied to family and community.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
  • New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
  • Youth Day (2026-03-15)
  • Senior Citizens Day (2026-05-05)
  • President's Day (2026-06-01)
  • Constitution Day (2026-07-09)
  • Labour Day (2026-09-07)
  • Independence Day (2026-10-01)
  • United Nations Day (2026-10-24)
  • Thanksgiving Day (2026-11-26)
  • Family Day (2026-11-27)
  • Christmas Day (2026-12-25)
Popular Music
Popular music includes traditional Palauan songs and contemporary genres influenced by the US and other Pacific nations.
Traditional Food
Traditional foods include seafood, taro, tapioca, and coconut-based dishes.
Sports
Popular sports include baseball, softball, and traditional water-based activities like outrigger canoe racing.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include the Palau National Championship Rodeo, and various cultural celebrations throughout the year.
Famous People
Notable figures include athletes, politicians, and cultural leaders.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Palau has numerous sites of cultural significance, including ancient villages and rock art.
UNESCO Sites
Palau has one UNESCO World Heritage site: Rock Islands Southern Lagoon.
Annual Tourist Visits
Relatively low number of annual tourist visits compared to larger destinations.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is a significant part of the economy, focused on diving and marine activities.
Top Tourist Attractions
Rock Islands, Jellyfish Lake, and diverse coral reefs.
Famous Cities
Koror is the primary population center.
National Parks
Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is a designated national park.
Protected Areas
Significant marine and terrestrial protected areas exist.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visas may be required; check current requirements before travel.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Exercise normal precautions; monitor travel advisories.

Healthcare

Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index is not readily available for Palau.
Medical Cost
Medical costs in Palau vary depending on the service; details can be found locally.
Number of Hospitals
Palau has a limited number of hospitals, primarily the Belau National Hospital.
Universal Healthcare
Palau offers a public healthcare system with access for citizens and residents.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are available in Palau, with the Belau National Hospital as the primary facility.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available in Palau, including ambulance services, but can vary by location.

Emergency & Safety

Emergency Number (Police)
The emergency number for the police is 911.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
The emergency number for ambulances is 911.
Emergency Number (Fire)
The emergency number for the fire department is 911.
Crime Rate
Crime rates in Palau are generally low.
Safety Index
Palau has a high safety index.
Military Expenditure
Palau's military expenditure is covered by its defense agreement with the United States.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services include police, ambulance, and fire departments, accessible via 911.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
Palau does not maintain its own military forces; it relies on the United States for defense.

Infrastructure

Electricity Access
Electricity access is generally available throughout the inhabited islands.
Water Access
Access to clean water is available for the majority of the population.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation services are available for a majority of the population.
Railways
Palau does not have railways.
Roadways
Roads are available throughout the islands, though some areas may have unpaved roads.
Transportation System
The transportation system relies on roadways, boats, and air travel.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR)
Ports
Koror is the primary port for cargo and cruise ships.
Public Transit
Public transportation options are limited, with taxis and private vehicles being more common.

Technology & Communication

Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
83.93#90 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Information unavailable.
Tech Startups
Limited tech startup activity.
Innovation Index
Information unavailable.
ICT Development Index
Information unavailable.
TV Broadcast Stations
Information unavailable.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Information unavailable.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
82.84#1 of 202
Air Quality Index
Generally good air quality.
Water Pollution Level
Some localized issues, primarily from sewage and runoff.
Renewable Energy Usage
Increasing solar power adoption; reliance on fossil fuels.
Environmental Issues
Climate change impacts, rising sea levels, coastal erosion, coral reef degradation, and unsustainable tourism.
Natural Hazards
Typhoons, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity.
Waste Management
Limited infrastructure; waste disposal a challenge.
Environmental Agreements
Party to international agreements on climate change, biodiversity, and marine protection.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Limited diplomatic representation.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
ADB, AOSIS, SPC, and others.
Major Treaties
Part of various climate change and environmental treaties.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa-free travel for citizens to many countries.

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