Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Palau
CapitalNgerulmud
Population17,663
GDP$345.0m
Area466 km²
RegionEast Asia & Pacific
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
Humans arrived in the Palauan archipelago from Southeast Asia around 1000 B.C. and developed a complex, highly organized matrilineal society where high-ranking women picked the chiefs. The islands were the westernmost part of the widely scattered Pacific islands north of New Guinea that Spanish explorers named the Caroline Islands in the 17th century. The 18th and 19th centuries saw occasional visits of whalers and traders as Spain gained some influence in the islands and administered it from the Philippines. Spain sold Palau to Germany in 1899 after losing the Philippines in the Spanish-American War.
Japan seized Palau in 1914, was granted a League of Nations mandate to administer the islands in 1920, and made Koror the capital of its South Seas Mandate in 1922. By the outbreak of World War II, there were four times as many Japanese living in Koror as Palauans. In 1944, the US invasion of the island of Peleliu was one of the bloodiest island fights of the Pacific War. After the war, Palau became part of the US-administered Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
Palau voted against joining the Federated States of Micronesia in 1978 and adopted its own constitution in 1981, which stated that Palau was a nuclear-free country. In 1982, Palau signed a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the US, which granted Palau financial assistance and access to many US domestic programs in exchange for exclusive US military access and defense responsibilities. However, many Palauans saw the COFA as incompatible with the Palauan Constitution because of the US military’s nuclear arsenal, and seven referenda failed to achieve ratification. Following a constitutional amendment and eighth referendum in 1993, the COFA was ratified and entered into force in 1994 when the islands gained their independence. Its funding was renewed in 2010.
Palau has been on the frontlines of combatting climate change and protecting marine resources. In 2011, Palau banned commercial shark fishing and created the world’s first shark sanctuary. In 2017, Palau began stamping the Palau Pledge into passports, reminding visitors to act in ecologically and culturally responsible ways. In 2020, Palau banned coral reef-toxic sunscreens and expanded its fishing prohibition to include 80% of its exclusive economic zone.
Reference: 2020, 2017, 2011, 2010Japan seized Palau in 1914, was granted a League of Nations mandate to administer the islands in 1920, and made Koror the capital of its South Seas Mandate in 1922. By the outbreak of World War II, there were four times as many Japanese living in Koror as Palauans. In 1944, the US invasion of the island of Peleliu was one of the bloodiest island fights of the Pacific War. After the war, Palau became part of the US-administered Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
Palau voted against joining the Federated States of Micronesia in 1978 and adopted its own constitution in 1981, which stated that Palau was a nuclear-free country. In 1982, Palau signed a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the US, which granted Palau financial assistance and access to many US domestic programs in exchange for exclusive US military access and defense responsibilities. However, many Palauans saw the COFA as incompatible with the Palauan Constitution because of the US military’s nuclear arsenal, and seven referenda failed to achieve ratification. Following a constitutional amendment and eighth referendum in 1993, the COFA was ratified and entered into force in 1994 when the islands gained their independence. Its funding was renewed in 2010.
Palau has been on the frontlines of combatting climate change and protecting marine resources. In 2011, Palau banned commercial shark fishing and created the world’s first shark sanctuary. In 2017, Palau began stamping the Palau Pledge into passports, reminding visitors to act in ecologically and culturally responsible ways. In 2020, Palau banned coral reef-toxic sunscreens and expanded its fishing prohibition to include 80% of its exclusive economic zone.
Geography
Location
Oceania, group of islands in the North Pacific Ocean, southeast of the Philippines
Map references
Oceania
Area
total: 459 sq km
land: 459 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 459 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, D.C.
Land boundaries
total: 0 km
Coastline
1,519 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm
Climate
tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November
Terrain
varying topography from the high, mountainous main island of Babelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by large barrier reefs
Elevation
highest point: Mount Ngerchelchuus 242 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
Natural resources
forests, minerals (especially gold), marine products, deep-seabed minerals
Land use
agricultural land: 9.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 0.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 4.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 4.3% (2023 est.)
forest: 90.6% (2023 est.)
other: 0% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 0.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 4.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 4.3% (2023 est.)
forest: 90.6% (2023 est.)
other: 0% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
0 sq km (2022)
Reference: 2022Population distribution
most of the population is located on the southern end of the main island of Babelthuap
Natural hazards
typhoons (June to December)
Geography - note
westernmost archipelago in the Caroline chain, consists of six island groups totaling more than 300 islands; includes world-famous Rock Islands
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Palauan(s)
adjective: Palauan
adjective: Palauan
Ethnic groups
Palauan (Micronesian with Malayan and Melanesian admixtures) 70.6%, Carolinian 1.2%, Asian 26.5%, other 1.7% (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Languages
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.)
note: note: Sonsoralese is official in Sonsoral; Tobian is official in Tobi; Angaur and Japanese are official in Angaur
Reference: 2015note: note: Sonsoralese is official in Sonsoral; Tobian is official in Tobi; Angaur and Japanese are official in Angaur
Religions
Roman Catholic 46.9%, Protestant 30.9% (Evangelical 24.6%, Seventh Day Adventist 5%, other Protestant 1.4%), Modekngei 5.1% (indigenous to Palau), Muslim 4.9%, other 12.3% (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Age structure
0-14 years: 17.5% (male 1,976/female 1,849)
15-64 years: 71.3% (male 8,647/female 6,935)
65 years and over: 11.2% (2024 est.) (male 612/female 1,845)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 71.3% (male 8,647/female 6,935)
65 years and over: 11.2% (2024 est.) (male 612/female 1,845)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 40.3 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 24.5 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 15.8 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 6.3 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 24.5 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 15.8 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 6.3 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 35.3 years (2024 est.)
male: 34.1 years
female: 37.4 years
Reference: 2024male: 34.1 years
female: 37.4 years
Population growth rate
0.38% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
11.6 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
8.4 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
most of the population is located on the southern end of the main island of Babelthuap
Major urban areas - population
277 NGERULMUD (capital) (2018)
Reference: 2018Sex ratio
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.25 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.33 male(s)/female
total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.25 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.33 male(s)/female
total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
89 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.83 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 99.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 99.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 99.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 16.4% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 9.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 9.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.81 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 99.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 98.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 1.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 1% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 98.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 1.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 1% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
55.3% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 16.3% (2025 est.)
male: 25.2% (2025 est.)
female: 6.8% (2025 est.)
male: 25.2% (2025 est.)
female: 6.8% (2025 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
45.6% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 15 years (2023 est.)
male: 14 years (2023 est.)
female: 16 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 14 years (2023 est.)
female: 16 years (2023 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 5 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Surangel Whipps Jr. | — | 2021-01-21 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | Surangel Whipps Jr. | — | 2021-01-21 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Palau
conventional short form: Palau
local long form: Beluu er a Belau
local short form: Belau
former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Palau District
etymology: from the Palauan name for the islands, Belau, which likely derives from the Palauan word beluu, meaning "village"
conventional short form: Palau
local long form: Beluu er a Belau
local short form: Belau
former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Palau District
etymology: from the Palauan name for the islands, Belau, which likely derives from the Palauan word beluu, meaning "village"
Government type
presidential republic in free association with the US
Capital
name: Ngerulmud
geographic coordinates: 7 30 N, 134 37 E
time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name comes from a Palauan term meaning "place of fermented angelfish;" the site of the capital was the traditional location for women to gather and offer fermented angelfish to the gods
geographic coordinates: 7 30 N, 134 37 E
time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name comes from a Palauan term meaning "place of fermented angelfish;" the site of the capital was the traditional location for women to gather and offer fermented angelfish to the gods
Administrative divisions
16 states; Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Hatohobei, Kayangel, Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngarchelong, Ngardmau, Ngatpang, Ngchesar, Ngeremlengui, Ngiwal, Peleliu, Sonsorol
Legal system
mixed system of civil, common, and customary law
Constitution
history: ratified 9 July 1980, effective 1 January 1981
amendment process: 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
Reference: 1981, 1980amendment process: 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
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
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
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
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: President Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. (since 21 January 2021)
head of government: President Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. (since 21 January 2021)
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
election/appointment process: 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)
most recent election date: 5 November 2024
election results: 2024: Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. elected president in second round; percent of vote - Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. (independent) 57.7%, Tommy REMENGESAU (independent) 42.1%, other 0.2%
2020: Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. elected president in second round; percent of vote - Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. (independent) 56.7%, Raynold OILUCH (independent) 43.3%
expected date of next election: November 2028
note: note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Reference: 2028, 2024, 2021, 2020head of government: President Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. (since 21 January 2021)
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
election/appointment process: 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)
most recent election date: 5 November 2024
election results: 2024: Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. elected president in second round; percent of vote - Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. (independent) 57.7%, Tommy REMENGESAU (independent) 42.1%, other 0.2%
2020: Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. elected president in second round; percent of vote - Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. (independent) 56.7%, Raynold OILUCH (independent) 43.3%
expected date of next election: November 2028
note: note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Legislative branch
legislature name: National Congress (Olbiil Era Kelulau)
legislative structure: bicameral
legislative structure: bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name: House of Delegates
number of seats: 16 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 11/5/2024
percentage of women in chamber: 25%
expected date of next election: November 2028
Reference: 2028, 2024number of seats: 16 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 11/5/2024
percentage of women in chamber: 25%
expected date of next election: November 2028
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name: Senate
number of seats: 15 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 11/5/2024
percentage of women in chamber: 13.3%
expected date of next election: November 2028
Reference: 2028, 2024number of seats: 15 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 11/5/2024
percentage of women in chamber: 13.3%
expected date of next election: November 2028
Judicial branch
highest court(s): 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
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
Political parties
none
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Hersey KYOTA (since 12 November 1997)
chancery: 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20006
telephone: [1] (202) 349-8598
FAX: [1] (202) 452-6281
email address and website: info@palauembassy.org
https://www.palauembassy.org/
consulate(s): Tamuning (Guam)
Reference: 1997chancery: 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20006
telephone: [1] (202) 349-8598
FAX: [1] (202) 452-6281
email address and website: info@palauembassy.org
https://www.palauembassy.org/
consulate(s): Tamuning (Guam)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Joel EHRENDREICH (since 29 September 2023)
embassy: Omsangel/Beklelachieb, Airai 96940
mailing address: 4260 Koror Place, Washington, DC 20521-4260
telephone: [680] 587-2920
FAX: [680] 587-2911
email address and website: ConsularKoror@state.gov
https://pw.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2023embassy: Omsangel/Beklelachieb, Airai 96940
mailing address: 4260 Koror Place, Washington, DC 20521-4260
telephone: [680] 587-2920
FAX: [680] 587-2911
email address and website: ConsularKoror@state.gov
https://pw.usembassy.gov/
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, WIPO
Independence
1 October 1994 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)
Reference: 1994National holiday
Constitution Day, 9 July (1981); Independence Day, 1 October (1994)
Reference: 1994, 1981Flag
description: light blue with a large yellow disk to the left side
meaning: blue stands for the ocean, and the disk for the moon, which is considered a symbol of peace, love, and tranquility
meaning: blue stands for the ocean, and the disk for the moon, which is considered a symbol of peace, love, and tranquility
National symbol(s)
bai (native meeting house)
National color(s)
blue, yellow
National anthem(s)
title: "Belau rekid" (Our Palau)
lyrics/music: multiple/Ymesei O. EZEKIEL
history: adopted 1980
Reference: 1980lyrics/music: multiple/Ymesei O. EZEKIEL
history: adopted 1980
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 1 (mixed)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Rock Islands Southern Lagoon
selected World Heritage Site locales: Rock Islands Southern Lagoon
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palau official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palau National Congress | — | — | — |
Economy
Economic overview
high-income Pacific island economy; environmentally fragile; subsistence agriculture and fishing industries; US aid reliance; rebounding post-pandemic tourism industry and services sector; very high living standard and low unemployment
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $280.025 million (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $274.866 million (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2021: $278.538 million (2021 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $274.866 million (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2021: $278.538 million (2021 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2023: $15,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $15,500 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2021: $15,700 (2021 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2022: $15,500 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2021: $15,700 (2021 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 3% (2023 est.)
industry: 9.9% (2023 est.)
services: 76.7% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2023industry: 9.9% (2023 est.)
services: 76.7% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 77.8% (2022 est.)
government consumption: 36.3% (2022 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 36.6% (2022 est.)
investment in inventories: 1.8% (2022 est.)
exports of goods and services: 13.5% (2022 est.)
imports of goods and services: -74.3% (2022 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2022government consumption: 36.3% (2022 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 36.6% (2022 est.)
investment in inventories: 1.8% (2022 est.)
exports of goods and services: 13.5% (2022 est.)
imports of goods and services: -74.3% (2022 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural 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
Industries
tourism, fishing, subsistence agriculture
Industrial production growth rate
-19.5% (2023 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2023note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 0.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 0.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Remittances 2022: 0.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 0.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $127.757 million (2020 est.)
expenditures: $152.398 million (2020 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2020expenditures: $152.398 million (2020 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2019: 85.2% of GDP (2019 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2019note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
18.1% (of GDP) (2020 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2020note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2022: -$135.428 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$115.739 million (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2020: -$115.61 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020Current account balance 2021: -$115.739 million (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2020: -$115.61 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2022: $24.48 million (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $10.566 million (2021 est.)
Exports 2020: $52.897 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020Exports 2021: $10.566 million (2021 est.)
Exports 2020: $52.897 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
India 41%, Turkey 26%, Taiwan 10%, USA 9%, Japan 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
ships, refined petroleum (2023)
note: note: top export commodities based on value in dollars over $500,000
Reference: 2023note: note: top export commodities based on value in dollars over $500,000
Imports
Imports 2022: $216.681 million (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $169.938 million (2021 est.)
Imports 2020: $207.224 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020Imports 2021: $169.938 million (2021 est.)
Imports 2020: $207.224 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Italy 32%, China 25%, USA 11%, Turkey 10%, Japan 6% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
ships, refined petroleum, additive manufacturing machines, cars, plastic products (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
the US dollar is used
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2022: -$135.428 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$115.739 million (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2020: -$115.61 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020Current account balance 2021: -$115.739 million (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2020: -$115.61 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2022: $24.48 million (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $10.566 million (2021 est.)
Exports 2020: $52.897 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020Exports 2021: $10.566 million (2021 est.)
Exports 2020: $52.897 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
India 41%, Turkey 26%, Taiwan 10%, USA 9%, Japan 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
ships, refined petroleum (2023)
note: note: top export commodities based on value in dollars over $500,000
Reference: 2023note: note: top export commodities based on value in dollars over $500,000
Imports
Imports 2022: $216.681 million (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $169.938 million (2021 est.)
Imports 2020: $207.224 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020Imports 2021: $169.938 million (2021 est.)
Imports 2020: $207.224 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Italy 32%, China 25%, USA 11%, Turkey 10%, Japan 6% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
ships, refined petroleum, additive manufacturing machines, cars, plastic products (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 8,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 45 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 45 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
89 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 16.4% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 9.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 9.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.81 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Obesity - adult prevalence rate
55.3% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 16.3% (2025 est.)
male: 25.2% (2025 est.)
female: 6.8% (2025 est.)
male: 25.2% (2025 est.)
female: 6.8% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 15 years (2023 est.)
male: 14 years (2023 est.)
female: 16 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 14 years (2023 est.)
female: 16 years (2023 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
mixed system of civil, common, and customary law
Judicial branch
highest court(s): 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
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
Military & Security
Military and security forces
no regular military forces; the Bureau of Public Safety (Ministry of Justice) has divisions for police functions and maritime security (2025)
Military - note
under the Compact of Free Association between Palau and the US, the US is responsible for the defense of Palau and the US military is granted access to the islands; the COFA also allows citizens of Palau to serve in the US armed forces
Palau has a "shiprider" agreement with the US, which allows local maritime law enforcement officers to embark on US Coast Guard (USCG) and US Navy (USN) vessels, including to board and search vessels suspected of violating laws or regulations within Palau's designated exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or on the high seas; "shiprider" agreements also enable USCG personnel and USN vessels with embarked USCG law enforcement personnel to work with host nations to protect critical regional resources (2025)
Palau has a "shiprider" agreement with the US, which allows local maritime law enforcement officers to embark on US Coast Guard (USCG) and US Navy (USN) vessels, including to board and search vessels suspected of violating laws or regulations within Palau's designated exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or on the high seas; "shiprider" agreements also enable USCG personnel and USN vessels with embarked USCG law enforcement personnel to work with host nations to protect critical regional resources (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Hersey KYOTA (since 12 November 1997)
chancery: 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20006
telephone: [1] (202) 349-8598
FAX: [1] (202) 452-6281
email address and website: info@palauembassy.org
https://www.palauembassy.org/
consulate(s): Tamuning (Guam)
Reference: 1997chancery: 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20006
telephone: [1] (202) 349-8598
FAX: [1] (202) 452-6281
email address and website: info@palauembassy.org
https://www.palauembassy.org/
consulate(s): Tamuning (Guam)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Joel EHRENDREICH (since 29 September 2023)
embassy: Omsangel/Beklelachieb, Airai 96940
mailing address: 4260 Koror Place, Washington, DC 20521-4260
telephone: [680] 587-2920
FAX: [680] 587-2911
email address and website: ConsularKoror@state.gov
https://pw.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2023embassy: Omsangel/Beklelachieb, Airai 96940
mailing address: 4260 Koror Place, Washington, DC 20521-4260
telephone: [680] 587-2920
FAX: [680] 587-2911
email address and website: ConsularKoror@state.gov
https://pw.usembassy.gov/
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, WIPO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1994-12-15 |
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, WIPO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 5 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
T8
Airports
3 (2025)
Merchant marine
total: 427 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 49, container ship 8, general cargo 200, oil tanker 52, other 118
Reference: 2023by type: bulk carrier 49, container ship 8, general cargo 200, oil tanker 52, other 118
Ports
total ports: 1 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 0
very small: 1
ports with oil terminals: 1
key ports: Malakal Harbor
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 0
small: 0
very small: 1
ports with oil terminals: 1
key ports: Malakal Harbor
Environment
Environmental issues
inadequate facilities for disposal of solid waste; threats to the marine ecosystem from sand and coral dredging, illegal fishing practices, and overfishing; rising sea level; coral bleaching; drought
International environmental agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November
Land use
agricultural land: 9.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 0.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 4.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 4.3% (2023 est.)
forest: 90.6% (2023 est.)
other: 0% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 0.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 4.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 4.3% (2023 est.)
forest: 90.6% (2023 est.)
other: 0% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 82.4% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.59% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 1.59% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
7.9 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 9,400 tons (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 8,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 45 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 45 (2023 est.)
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)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.pw
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 17,797 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 17,812 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 17,814 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 17,798 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 17,792 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 17,783 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 17,759 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 17,727 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 17,695 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 17,663 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $303,326,125 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $289,983,656 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $288,228,344 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $281,954,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $258,985,859 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $235,935,734 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $247,470,813 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $276,157,406 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $321,501,813 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $345,000,000 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 5,088 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 5,212 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 2,951 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 2,835 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 2,804 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 2,816 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 2,554 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 2,490 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 2,582 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 2,674 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -35 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -33 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -35 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -46 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 0 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -21 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -20 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -19 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -14 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -16 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 17,663 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 17,615 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 21,729 | 2017 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 5,212 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 29.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 2,674 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -16 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 5 | 2024 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 0 | 2024 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 5 | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 0 | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 2014; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No Constitutional ban since 2008 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Has no military | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $345,000,000 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $19,532 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 6.3% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | -0.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | High income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 69.4 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.9 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 79.3% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 83.9% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 32.7% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 73.1% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 105.8% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 99.8% | 2020 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 95.7% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 3.4% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 0.9% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 10.9% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 18.6 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 90.5% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 135.4 per 100 | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 7.3 per 100 | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 1,469 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 7.3419° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 134.4790° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 7.4667° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 134.5500° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+09:00, Pacific/Palau | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: availability) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:30