Palau
The Republic of Palau is one of the world's newest independent nations. This chain of small tropical islands in the western Pacific Ocean is known for its beautiful rock islands and its barrier reef, which shelter many kinds of oceanic wildlife. Its provisional, or temporary, capital is the town of Koror on Koror Island. The constitution calls for a permanent capital to be established on the larger island of Babelthuap.
Palau lies at the western end of the Caroline Islands in the Pacific region called Oceania. It is part of the island grouping known as Micronesia. The other islands of the Carolines are part of the country called the Federated States of Micronesia. The Philippines are 550 miles (885 kilometers) to the west of Palau, and Papua New Guinea lies 400 miles (644 kilometers) to the south.
The chain of about 340 small islands that make up Palau is about 400 miles (640 kilometers) long. Babelthuap accounts for about four fifths of Palau's land area of 188 square miles (488 square kilometers). Koror Island is much smaller in area, but the majority of the country's people live there. Koror is connected to Babelthuap by a bridge.
The landscape of Palau varies from the mountains of Babelthuap to low islands that are just a few feet above sea level. Most of the islands are surrounded by a barrier reef. This huge mass of coral runs parallel to the shoreline and protects the islands by breaking up incoming waves. A unique feature of Palau is its chain of more than 300 rock islands, which are made of limestone and covered with trees and shrubs. Shaped by waves, rain, plant life, and sea creatures, these small islands resemble mushrooms from a distance.
Palau's climate is tropical. Temperatures vary little from the average temperature of 81° F (17° C) in the course of a day or a year. Rainfall is heavy, averaging 120–160 inches (300–400 centimeters) a year.
The tropical climate of Palau supports many different kinds of plants and animals. Babelthuap is part grassland and part rain forest, with mangrove forests along the coast. Coconut palm trees grow throughout the chain. The coral reefs and surrounding waters have so much life that Palau has been called a wonder of the underwater world. The reefs are made of more than 350 different kinds of coral and support more than 1,400 species of fish. Palau's marine life also includes giant clams, sea turtles, jellyfish, squid, starfish, and the rare plant-eating mammal called the dugong. Palau is also home to rare and colorful birds, including the Palau dove and Palau fantail.
About three quarters of the people on the islands are Palaus. They are descended mainly from settlers who came to the islands long ago from Indonesia, the Philippines, New Guinea, and other Pacific islands. Most of the rest of the people are Asians, with Filipinos being the largest group. Nearly two thirds of the population is Christian. About a quarter of the people follow a Palauan religion called Modekngei. Palauan and English are the most commonly spoken languages.
Most Palauans live in cities and towns that are steadily becoming more modern. Nevertheless, Palauans are still known for their traditional folk crafts, especially woodworking. Using planks made from local timber, they build structures known as longhouses in which the pieces fit together so well that nails are not needed. Another famous example of their handiwork are the wood carvings known as storyboards. Shaped like turtles, crocodiles, or fish, the carvings are painted with scenes from Palauan folklore.
Palau's reputation as an island paradise draws tens of thousands of visitors to the islands each year. Tourism grew quickly beginning in the late 20th century and became a leading industry. For many years government has been a major employer in Palau. In the early 21st century the Palauan government employed about 30 percent of the country's workers. For income, the government depends largely on taxes and on aid from the United States. In return for its aid, the United States keeps military bases on the islands.
The main occupations in the rural areas are farming, fishing, and the making of handicrafts. Farmers grow coconuts, bananas, and root crops such as cassava and sweet potatoes. They also raise pigs, chickens, and other animals. Most of the crops are used for food on the islands. Handicrafts and some fish are exported.
The first people on Palau were probably Malays who arrived from Indonesia between 2,000 and 3,000 years ago. They were followed by waves of settlers from other parts of the Pacific.
The first European to visit Palau was a Spanish explorer named Ruy López de Villalobos, who arrived in 1543. Spain claimed the islands but made little effort to develop them. Europeans knew little about Palau until a British trader was shipwrecked there in the late 18th century. He wrote an account of his experiences on the islands, and soon Palau became a trading partner of Britain. The Spanish returned to the islands in the 19th century. In 1899, however, Spain sold Palau to Germany. At the start of World War I the islands were taken by Japan. The Japanese navy used Palau as a base during World War II, but in 1944 United States forces took control of the islands after heavy fighting.
In 1947 Palau was made part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, which was governed by the United States under supervision of the United Nations. In 1978 Palauans voted against joining the new Federated States of Micronesia. Instead, Palau became a self-governing republic within the Trust Territory in 1981. In 1994 Palau officially became a fully independent nation and a member of the United Nations. Under an agreement called the Compact of Free Association, however, the United States remained responsible for defense of the islands and continued to provide financial aid to the government. Population (2001 estimate), 19,700.
