Palau

1800s (Early): European explorers arrive and the islands are subsequently claimed by Spain

1899 (January 17, Tuesday): Spain cedes control of the islands to Germany under the Treaty of Paris

1914 (September 3, Thursday): Japan takes control of Palau after World War I under a League of Nations mandate

1944 (November 3, Friday): Battle of Peleliu: During World War II, U.S. forces invade Palau to take control of the island from Japan

1978 (October 9, Monday): Palau adopts its own constitution, establishing a path toward self-governance

1994 (October 1, Saturday): Palau becomes a sovereign nation after the Compact of Free Association with the United States

2000 (April 22, Saturday): Typhoon Bess: A major storm strikes Palau, causing widespread damage

2014 (November 14, Friday): Typhoon Hagupit: A strong storm strikes Palau, causing damage to infrastructure and homes

2020 (March 19, Thursday): COVID-19 Pandemic: Palau records its first COVID-19 case, leading to significant travel restrictions

Continent: Oceania
Location: Western Pacific Ocean, approximately 500 miles east of the Philippines
Capital: Ngerulmud
Language: Palauan, English (official)
Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
Population: ~18,000 (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Palau Time (UTC+9)

Borders: No land borders, an island nation
Landscape: Coral reefs, tropical islands, limestone rock islands, and a mountainous interior
Major Rivers: No significant rivers due to its island geography
Major Mountains: Mount Ngerchelchuus (highest point)
Deserts: No deserts
Lakes: Lake Ngardok, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Palau
Volcanoes: No active volcanoes
Highest Point: Mount Ngerchelchuus (242 m / 794 ft)
Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean (sea level)
Climate: Tropical, with distinct wet and dry seasons; warm year-round, subject to typhoons during wet season
Geological Features: Limestone islands, coral reefs, tropical forests

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Palauan, with small communities of Micronesians, Filipinos, and others
Religion: Christianity (Catholicism and Protestantism)
Urban Population: ~70% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~5% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Traditional Palauan culture, wood carving, navigational skills, jellyfish lake
Cuisine: Fish, taro, coconut, wild boar, and other tropical ingredients
Arts: Wood carving, traditional weaving, Palauan dance and music
Sports: Traditional sports, volleyball, basketball, and fishing

Economy Type: Small, service-based economy with a strong reliance on tourism
GDP: Approx. $300 million USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Tourism, agriculture, fishing
Key Exports: Fish, fruit, handicrafts
Unemployment Rate: ~3% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Tourism-centered economy, with government and services sectors being significant

Government Type: Presidential republic
Head of State: President Surangel Whipps Jr. (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: President Surangel Whipps Jr. (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral (Palau National Congress)
Constitution: Effective since 1981, with amendments in place to reflect political changes

Ngerulmud: Government buildings and Palau’s capital
Koror: Famous for its historic sites, markets, and a base for diving trips
Rock Islands: A UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its unique limestone formations and coral reefs
Jellyfish Lake: A popular tourist destination where non-stinging jellyfish thrive
Palau National Museum: A place to explore the island’s history and cultural heritage
Kayangel Atoll: An uninhabited atoll with pristine beaches and coral reefs