Palau flag

Country in Oceania

Palau

Palau is a Pacific island nation renowned for having some of the world's most spectacular marine biodiversity, featuring pristine coral reefs, crystal lagoons, and the unique Jellyfish Lake.

CapitalNgerulmud
LanguageEnglish, Palauan
CurrencyUnited States dollar
Population17k

Key Facts

CapitalNgerulmud
RegionOceania / Micronesia
GovernmentUnitary presidential republic
Independence1994
Area459 km2
Population density19/km2
Time zonePWT (UTC+9)
Calling code+680
Drives onRight

Quick View

HDI
0.767
Safety index
69.0
Internet access
67%
Life expectancy
74.0

Sources: World Bank, Numbeo, UN.

Top 3 Highest Mountains

Mount Ngerchelchuus242 m
Babeldaob Peak210 m
Ngatpang Hills190 m

Religion (est.)

  • Christianity79%
  • Modekngei9%
  • Islam6%
  • Other6%

Why Visit

Blue CornerOne of the world's top scuba diving sites, with drift dives past sharks and mantas.
Jellyfish LakeSnorkel among millions of harmless golden jellyfish in a landlocked marine lake.
Rock IslandsUNESCO-listed mushroom-shaped limestone islands with turquoise lagoons.
Milky Way LagoonNatural spa of white limestone mud in a hidden cove.
Pristine Marine SanctuaryPalau was among the first nations to create a national marine sanctuary.

Top 3 Cities by Population

Ngerulmud
391
Koror
11k
Airai
3k

Climate Overview

27CJan avg.
27CJul avg.
3,800 mmYearly rainfall
Tropical, hot and humidClimate

Other Quick Info

CurrencyUnited States dollar
Official languageEnglish, Palauan
National day1 October
Electricity120V, Type A/B