2019 Edition

Background

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.

Area

Land

459 sq km

Total

459 sq km

Water

0 sq km

Area Comparative

slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Climate

tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November

Coastline

1,519 km

Elevation

Highest Point

Mount Ngerchelchuus 242 m

Lowest Point

Pacific Ocean 0 m

Environment Current Issues

inadequate facilities for disposal of solid waste; threats to the marine ecosystem from sand and coral dredging, illegal and destructive fishing practices, and overfishing; climate change contributes to rising sea level and coral bleaching; drought

Environment International Agreements

Party To

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling

Signed But Not Ratified

none of the selected agreements

Geographic Coordinates

7 30 N, 134 30 E

Geography Note

westernmost archipelago in the Caroline chain, consists of six island groups totaling more than 300 islands; includes World War II battleground of Beliliou (Peleliu) and world-famous Rock Islands

Irrigated Land

0 sq km (2012)

Land Boundaries

0 km

Land Use

Agricultural Land

10.8% (2011 est.)

Agricultural Land Arable Land

2.2% (2011 est.)

Agricultural Land Permanent Crops

4.3% (2011 est.)

Agricultural Land Permanent Pasture

4.3% (2011 est.)

Forest

87.6% (2011 est.)

Other

1.6% (2011 est.)

Location

Oceania, group of islands in the North Pacific Ocean, southeast of the Philippines

Map References

Oceania

Maritime Claims

Contiguous Zone

24 nm

Continental Shelf

200 nm

Exclusive Economic Zone

200 nm

Territorial Sea

12 nm

Natural Hazards

typhoons (June to December)

Natural Resources

forests, minerals (especially gold), marine products, deep-seabed minerals

Population Distribution

most of the population is located on the southern end of the main island of Babelthuap

Terrain

varying topography from the high, mountainous main island of Babelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by large barrier reefs

Age Structure

0 14 Years

19.37% (male 2,149 /female 2,019)

15 24 Years

16.4% (male 1,768 /female 1,760)

25 54 Years

45.74% (male 6,016 /female 3,826)

55 64 Years

9.99% (male 765 /female 1,384)

65 Years And Over

8.5% (male 464 /female 1,365) (2018 est.)

Birth Rate

11.3 births/1,000 population (2018 est.)

Current Health Expenditure

11.7% (2016)

Death Rate

8.2 deaths/1,000 population (2018 est.)

Drinking Water Source

Improved Rural

86% of population

Improved Total

95.3% of population

Improved Urban

97% of population

Unimproved Rural

14% of population

Unimproved Total

4.7% of population (2011 est.)

Unimproved Urban

3% of population

Ethnic Groups

Palauan (Micronesian with Malayan and Melanesian admixtures) 73%, Carolinian 2%, Asian 21.7%, caucasian 1.2%, other 2.1% (2015 est.)

Hospital Bed Density

4.8 beds/1,000 population (2010)

Infant Mortality Rate

Female

8.8 deaths/1,000 live births

Male

11.8 deaths/1,000 live births

Total

10.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2018 est.)

Languages

Palauan (official on most islands) 65.2%, other Micronesian 1.9%, English (official) 19.1%, Filipino 9.9%, Chinese 1.2%, other 2.8% (2015 est.)

Life Expectancy at Birth

Female

77 years

Male

70.4 years

Total Population

73.6 years (2018 est.)

Literacy

Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Female

96.3% (2015)

Male

96.8%

Total Population

96.6%

Major Urban Areas Population

277 NGERULMUD (capital) (2018)

Median Age

Female

35.3 years

Male

32.8 years

Total

33.6 years (2018 est.)

Nationality

Adjective

Palauan

Noun

Palauan(s)

Net Migration Rate

0.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2018 est.)

Obesity Adult Prevalence Rate

55.3% (2016)

Physicians Density

1.19 physicians/1,000 population (2014)

Population

21,516 (July 2018 est.)

Population Growth Rate

0.4% (2018 est.)

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.)

Sanitation Facility Access

Improved Rural

100% of population (2015 est.)

Improved Total

100% of population (2015 est.)

Improved Urban

100% of population (2015 est.)

Unimproved Rural

0% of population (2015 est.)

Unimproved Total

0% of population (2015 est.)

Unimproved Urban

0% of population (2015 est.)

School Life Expectancy Primary To Tertiary Education

Female

18 years (2013)

Male

16 years

Total

17 years

Sex Ratio

0 14 Years

1.06 male(s)/female

15 24 Years

1 male(s)/female

25 54 Years

1.57 male(s)/female

55 64 Years

0.55 male(s)/female

65 Years And Over

0.34 male(s)/female

At Birth

1.06 male(s)/female

Total Population

1.08 male(s)/female (2018 est.)

Total Fertility Rate

1.7 children born/woman (2018 est.)

Urbanization

Rate Of Urbanization

1.77% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

Urban Population

80.5% of total population (2019)

Administrative Divisions

16 states; Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Hatohobei, Kayangel, Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngarchelong, Ngardmau, Ngatpang, Ngchesar, Ngeremlengui, Ngiwal, Peleliu, Sonsorol

Capital

Geographic Coordinates

7 30 N, 134 37 E

Name

Ngerulmud

Time Difference

UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Citizenship

Citizenship By Birth

no

Citizenship By Descent Only

at least one parent must be a citizen of Palau

Dual Citizenship Recognized

no

Residency Requirement For Naturalization

note - no procedure for naturalization

Constitution

Amendments

proposed by a constitutional convention (held at least once every 15 years with voter approval), by public petition of at least 25% of eligible voters, or by a resolution adopted by at least three fourths of National Congress members; passage requires approval by a majority of votes in at least three fourths of the states in the next regular general election; amended 1992, 2004, 2008 (2017)

History

ratified 9 July 1980, effective 1 January 1981

Country Name

Conventional Long Form

Republic of Palau

Conventional Short Form

Palau

Etymology

from the Palauan name for the islands, Belau, which likely derives from the Palauan word "beluu" meaning "village"

Former

Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Palau District

Local Long Form

Beluu er a Belau

Local Short Form

Belau

Diplomatic Representation From The Us

Chief Of Mission

Ambassador Amy HYATT (since 9 March 2015)

Embassy

Omsangel/Beklelachieb, Airai, Palau 96940

Fax

[680] 587-2911

Mailing Address

P. O. Box 6028, Koror, Republic of Palau 96940

Telephone

[680] 587-2920

Diplomatic Representation In The Us

Chancery

1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20036

Chief Of Mission

Ambassador Hersey KYOTA (since 12 November 1997)

Consulate S

Tamuning (Guam)

Fax

[1] (202) 452-6281

Telephone

[1] (202) 452-6814

Executive Branch

Cabinet

Cabinet appointed by the president with the advice and consent of the Senate; also includes the vice president; the Council of Chiefs consists of chiefs from each of the states who advise the president on issues concerning traditional laws, customs, and their relationship to the constitution and laws of Palau

Chief Of State

President Tommy REMENGESAU (since 17 January 2013); Vice President Raynold OILUCH (since 19 January 2017); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

Election Results

Tommy REMENGESAU reelected president; percent of vote - Tommy REMENGESAU (independent) 51.3%, Surangel WHIPPS, Jr.(independent) 48.7%; Raynold OILUCH elected vice president

Elections Appointments

president and vice president directly elected on separate ballots by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 1 November 2016 (next to be held in November 2020)

Head Of Government

President Tommy REMENGESAU (since 17 January 2013); Vice President Raynold OILUCH (since 19 January 2017)

Flag Description

light blue with a large yellow disk shifted slightly to the hoist side; the blue color represents the ocean, the disk represents the moon; Palauans consider the full moon to be the optimum time for human activity; it is also considered a symbol of peace, love, and tranquility

Government Type

presidential republic in free association with the US

Independence

1 October 1994 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)

International Law Organization Participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

International Organization Participation

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, IOC, IPU, MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO

Judicial Branch

Highest Courts

Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 3 associate justices organized into appellate trial divisions; the Supreme Court organization also includes the Common Pleas and Land Courts)

Judge Selection And Term Of Office

justices nominated by a 7-member independent body consisting of judges, presidential appointees, and lawyers and appointed by the president; judges can serve until mandatory retirement at age 65

Subordinate Courts

National Court and other 'inferior' courts

Legal System

mixed legal system of civil, common, and customary law

Legislative Branch

Description

bicameral National Congress or Olbiil Era Kelulau consists of: Senate (13 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by majority vote to serve 4-year terms) House of Delegates (16 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 4-year terms)

Election Results

Senate - percent of vote - NA; seats - independent 13; composition - men 11, women 2, percent of women 15.4% House of Delegates - percent of vote - NA; seats - independent 16; composition - men 14, women 2, percent of women 12.5%; note - total National Congress percent of women 13.8%

Elections

Senate - last held on 1 November 2016 (next to be held in November 2020) House of Delegates - last held on 1 November 2016 (next to be held in November 2020)

National Anthem

Lyrics Music

multiple/Ymesei O. EZEKIEL

Name

"Belau rekid" (Our Palau)

National Holiday

Constitution Day, 9 July (1981), day of a national referendum to pass the new constitution; Independence Day, 1 October (1994)

National Symbol S

bai (native meeting house); national colors: blue, yellow

Political Parties And Leaders

none

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture Products

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

Budget

Expenditures

167.3 million (2012 est.)

Revenues

193 million (2012 est.)

Budget Surplus Or Deficit

8.8% (of GDP) (2016 est.)

Current Account Balance

2016

-$36 million

2017

-$53 million

Debt External

31 December 2013

$16.47 billion

31 December 2014

$18.38 billion

Economy Overview

The economy is dominated by tourism, fishing, and subsistence agriculture. Government is a major employer of the work force relying on financial assistance from the US under the Compact of Free Association (Compact) with the US that took effect after the end of the UN trusteeship on 1 October 1994. The US provided Palau with roughly $700 million in aid for the first 15 years following commencement of the Compact in 1994 in return for unrestricted access to its land and waterways for strategic purposes. The population enjoys a per capita income roughly double that of the Philippines and much of Micronesia.Business and leisure tourist arrivals reached a record 167,966 in 2015, a 14.4% increase over the previous year, but fell to 138,408 in 2016. Long-run prospects for tourism have been bolstered by the expansion of air travel in the Pacific, the rising prosperity of industrial East Asia, and the willingness of foreigners to finance infrastructure development. Proximity to Guam, the region's major destination for tourists from East Asia, and a regionally competitive tourist infrastructure enhance Palau's advantage as a destination.

Exchange Rates

the US dollar is used

Exports

2015

$14.8 million

2017

$23.17 billion

Exports Commodities

shellfish, tuna, other fish (many species)

Exports Partners

Japan 51.3%, US 15.8%, India 13.8%, Guam 8% (2017)

Fiscal Year

1 October - 30 September

GDP Composition By End Use

Exports Of Goods And Services

55.2% (2016 est.)

Government Consumption

27.2% (2016 est.)

Household Consumption

60.5% (2016 est.)

Imports Of Goods And Services

-67.6% (2016 est.)

Investment In Fixed Capital

22.7% (2016 est.)

Investment In Inventories

1.9% (2016 est.)

GDP Composition By Sector Of Origin

Agriculture

3% (2016 est.)

Industry

19% (2016 est.)

Services

78% (2016 est.)

GDP Official Exchange Rate

$292 million (2017 est.)

GDP Per Capita Ppp

2015

$15,200

2016

$15,200

2017

$14,700

GDP Purchasing Power Parity

2015

$274.1 million

2016

$274.2 million

2017

$264 million

GDP Real Growth Rate

2015

10.1%

2016

0%

2017

-3.7%

Gross National Saving

2015

50.1% of GDP

2016

48.7% of GDP

Imports

2017

$4.079 billion

2018

$4.715 billion

Imports Commodities

machinery and equipment, fuels, metals; foodstuffs

Imports Partners

US 33.4%, Guam 15.8%, Japan 15.7%, China 13.5%, South Korea 5.3% (2017)

Industries

tourism, fishing, subsistence agriculture

Inflation Rate Consumer Prices

2016

-1%

2017

0.9%

Labor Force

11,610 (2016)

Labor Force By Occupation

Agriculture

1.2%

Industry

12.4%

Services

86.4% (2016)

Market Value Of Publicly Traded Shares

NA

Population Below Poverty Line

24.9% NA (2006)

Public Debt

2015

21.6% of GDP

2016

24.1% of GDP

Reserves Of Foreign Exchange And Gold

31 December 2015

$580.9 million

31 December 2017

$0

Taxes And Other Revenues

66.1% (of GDP) (2016 est.)

Unemployment Rate

2012

4.1%

2015

1.7%

Electricity Access

Electrification Rural Areas

97.2% (2016)

Electrification Total Population

99.3% (2016)

Electrification Urban Areas

99.6% (2016)

Broadcast Media

no broadcast TV stations; a cable TV network covers the major islands and provides access to 4 local cable stations, rebroadcasts (on a delayed basis) of a number of US stations, as well as access to a number of real-time satellite TV channels; about a half dozen radio stations (1 government-owned) (2019)

Internet Country Code

.pw

Internet Users

Percent Of Population

36% (July 2016 est.)

Total

7,650

Telephone System

Domestic

fixed-line 34 per 100 and mobile-cellular services 112 per 100 persons (2018)

General Assessment

well-developed mobile sector recently boosted by satellite network capacity upgrades; 3G services available with satellite; lack of telecom regulations; (2018)

International

country code - 680; landing point for the SEA-US submarine cable linking Palau, Philippines, Micronesia, Indonesia, Hawaii (US), Guam (US) and California (US); satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2019)

Telephones Fixed Lines

Subscriptions Per 100 Inhabitants

34 (July 2016 est.)

Total Subscriptions

7,204

Telephones Mobile Cellular

Subscriptions Per 100 Inhabitants

112 (July 2016 est.)

Total Subscriptions

24,000

Airports

3 (2013)

Airports With Paved Runways

1 524 To 2 437 M

1 (2017)

Total

1 (2017)

Airports With Unpaved Runways

1 524 To 2 437 M

2 (2013)

Total

2 (2013)

National Air Transport System

Inventory Of Registered Aircraft Operated By Air Carriers

1 (2015)

Number Of Registered Air Carriers

1 (2015)

Ports And Terminals

Koror

Roadways

Paved

89 km (2018)

Total

125 km (2018)

Unpaved

36 km (2018)

Military And Security Forces

no regular military forces; the Ministry of Justice includes divisions/bureaus for public security, police functions, and maritime law enforcement. (2019)

Military Note

Under a 1994 Compact of Free Association between Palau and the US, the US until 2044 is responsible for the defense of Palaus and the US military is granted access to the islands, but it has not stationed any military forces there. (2019)

Disputes International

maritime delineation negotiations continue with Philippines, Indonesia