Palau is a young island nation in the Pacific Ocean, with a native population related to Australian and Asian ancestry. It was under Spanish, German, and Japanese control before becoming a trust territory under the United Nations. Palau has a representative democracy, with a population of approximately 19,000, and its economy relies on tourism, fishing, and subsistence agriculture.
The Republic of Palau is an island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 500 miles (800km) east of the Philippines. It was the last former trust territory of the United Nations Trust Council to achieve self-government, in 1994, and is therefore one of the youngest countries in the world. Its native name is Belau, and it is often called simply Palau in English. The capital of the country is Melekeok.
The native population of Palau has lived on the islands for thousands of years, although their original date of arrival is currently the subject of speculation. Genetically, Palauans are related to both Australian and Asian ancestry. Their society is traditionally matrilineal.
Europeans first came into contact with Palau, once called the “Black Islands”, relatively late. British traders visited the islands regularly in the 18th century and were incorporated into the Spanish East Indies in the 19th century. Palau remained under Spanish control until the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Spanish-American War in 18, forced Spain to give up its East Indies territories. Germany bought Palau from Spain in 19.
Palau changed hands again in 1914, when the Japanese invaded and took control, and Germany lost its possessions as a result of the Treaty of Versailles, sealing its defeat in World War I. After a Japanese defeat in World War II, the country of Palau became a trust territory under the United Nations. Today it has a Compact of Free Association with the United States stipulating that the latter assume responsibility for the defense of Palau for 50 years.
Palau is a representative democracy with separate executive, judicial and legislative branches. The president-elect is the head of government and head of state. Palau has 16 states.
Palau has a population of approximately 19,000, which is 70% native-born, with Filipinos making up the second largest ethnic group. Whites and other Asians are other minorities. The official languages of most Palauan states are Palauan and English, although some states give official status to local languages and Japanese is an official language in the state of Anguar. Seventy-five percent of the population are Christians, mostly Catholics. Native religious beliefs and Modekngei, a religion that incorporates native beliefs with Christianity, are also commonly practiced.
Palau’s economy consists largely of tourism, fishing, and subsistence agriculture. Tourists visit the islands to enjoy the year-round pleasant tropical climate and to snorkel and scuba dive among the diverse marine life. Palau is also home to the Belau National Museum and the Palau International Airport, which offers regular flights to and from neighboring countries.
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