Palau islands islands

From Palau islands islandspedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is about the country. For other uses, see Palau islands islands
(disambiguation).
Not to be confused with Paelau.
Coordinates: 7°30′N 134°30′E

Republic of Palau islands islands

Beluu er a Belau (Palau islands islandsan)

Flag

Seal

Anthem: Belau rekid

Our Palau islands islands

MENU

0:00

Status Sovereign state in free association with the United States

Capital Ngerulmud
 7°30′N 134°37′E

Largest city Koror

7°20′N 134°29′E

Official languages English, Palau islands islandsan

Recognized Japanese

regional languages Sonsorolese

Tobian

Ethnic groups(2015[1]) 73% Palau islands islandsan

21.7% Asian

2.0% Carolinian

1.2% Caucasian

2.1% other / unspecified

Demonym Palau islands islandsan

Government Unitary presidentialconstitutional republicunder a non-partisan

democracy

President Tommy Remengesau

Vice President Raynold Oilouch

Senate President Hokkons Baules

House Speaker Sabino Anastacio

Chief Justice Arthur Ngiraklsong

Chairman of Council of Chiefs Yutaka Gibbons

Legislature Olbiil era Kelulau

Upper house Senate

Lower house House of Delegates

Independence from the United States

Trusteeship 18 July 1947

Constitution 2 April 1979

Compact of Free Association 1 October 1994

Area

Total 459 km2 (177 sq mi) (180th)

Water (%) negligible

Population

2016 estimate 21,503[2] (224th)

2013 census 20,918

Density 46.7/km2 (121.0/sq mi)

GDP (PPP) 2017 estimate

Total $297 million[3]

 Per capita $16,278[3] (81st)

GDP (nominal) 2017 estimate

Total $315 million[3]

Per capita $17,286[3]

HDI (2015) 0.788[4]

high · 60th

Currency United States dollar(USD)

Time zone (UTC+9)

Summer (DST) not observed (UTC+9)

Date format dd/mm/yyyy

Drives on the right

Calling code +680

ISO 3166 code PW

Internet TLD .pw

Website
palau islands islandsgov.pw

Palau islands islands (/pəˈlaʊ/ ( listen), historically Belau or Pelew), officially

the Republic of Palau islands islands (Palau islands islandsan: Beluu er a Belau), is [5]

an island country located in the western Pacific Ocean. The country contains
approximately 340 islands, forming the western chain of the Caroline
Islands in Micronesia, and has an area of 466 square kilometers (180 sq mi). The most
[6]

populous island is Koror. The capital Ngerulmud is located on the nearby island
of Babeldaob, in Melekeok State. Palau islands islands shares maritime
boundaries with Indonesia, the Philippines, and the Federated States of Micronesia.
The country was originally settled approximately 3,000 years ago by migrants from
the Philippines and sustained a Negrito population until around 900 years ago. The
islands were first explored by Europeans in the 16th century, and were made part of
the Spanish East Indies in 1574. Following Spain's defeat in the Spanish–American
War in 1898, the islands were sold to Imperial Germany in 1899 under the terms of
the German–Spanish Treaty, where they were administered as part of German New
Guinea. The Imperial Japanese Navy conquered Palau islands islands during World War
I, and the islands were later made a part of the Japanese-ruled South Pacific Mandate by
the League of Nations. During World War II, skirmishes, including the major Battle of
Peleliu, were fought between American and Japanese troops as part of the Mariana and
Palau islands islands Islands campaign. Along with other Pacific Islands, Palau islands
islands was made a part of the United States-governed Trust Territory of the Pacific
Islands in 1947. Having voted against joining the Federated States of Micronesia in 1979,
the islands gained full sovereignty in 1994 under a Compact of Free Association with the
United States.
Politically, Palau islands islands is a presidential republic in free association with the
United States, which provides defense, funding, and access to social services.
Legislative power is concentrated in the bicameral Palau islands islands National
Congress. Palau islands islands's economy is based mainly on tourism, subsistence
agriculture and fishing, with a significant portion of gross national product (GNP) derived
 from foreign aid. The country uses the United States dollar as its currency. The islands'
culture mixes Micronesian, Melanesian, Asian, and Western elements. Ethnic Palau
islands islandsans, the majority of the population, are of mixed Micronesian, Melanesian,
and Austronesian descent. A smaller proportion of the population is descended
from Japanese and Filipino settlers. The country's two official languages are Palau
islands islandsan (a member of the wider Sunda–Sulawesi language group) and English,
with Japanese, Sonsorolese, and Tobian recognized as regional languages.
Contents
[hide]

 1Etymology
 2History
o 2.1Early history
o 2.2After 16th century
o 2.3Spanish era
o 2.4Colonial era
o 2.5United States era
o 2.6Independence
 3Politics and government
o 3.1Foreign relations
o 3.2Administrative divisions
o 3.3Maritime law enforcement
 4Geography
o 4.1Climate
o 4.2Environment
o 4.3Sanctuary
 5Economy
 6Transportation
 7Demographics
o 7.1Languages
o 7.2Religion
 8Culture
o 8.1Traditional government
o 8.2Sports
o 8.3Education
o 8.4Cuisine
 9In art, film and television
 10See also
 11References
 12External links
o 12.1Government

Etymology[palau islands islands]

The name for the islands in the Palau islands islandsan language, Belau, likely derives
from either the Palau islands islandsan word for "village", beluu, or [7]

from aibebelau ("indirect replies"), relating to a creation myth. The name "Palau islands [8]

islands" entered the English language from the Spanish Los Palaos, via
the German Palau islands islands. An archaic name for the islands in English was the
"Pelew Islands". Palau islands islands is unrelated to Pulau, which is a Malay word
[9]

meaning "island" found in a number of place names in the region.

History[palau islands islands]

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to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (September 2017)(Learn how and when to
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Main article: History of Palau islands islands

Early history[palau islands islands]
Palau islands islands was originally settled between the 3rd and 2nd millennia BCE, most
likely from Indonesia. [10]

The islands sustained a population of short-statured Melanesian or Pygmy people until

the 12th century, when they were replaced. The modern Micronesian population,
[citation needed]

judging by its language, may have come from the Sunda Islands.
Sonsorol, part of the Southwest Islands, an island chain approximately 600 kilometers
(370 mi) from the main island chain of Palau islands islands, was sighted by Europeans
as early as 1522, when the Spanish mission of the Trinidad, the flagship of Ferdinand
Magellan's voyage of circumnavigation, sighted two small islands around the 5th parallel
north, naming them "San Juan". [11]

Map of 1888 showing the Spanish East Indies, including Palau islands islands Islands (map without Philippines)

After the conquest of the Philippines in 1565 by the Spanish Empire, the archipelago of
Palau islands islands became part of the territory of the Captaincy General of the
Philippines, established in 1574 as part of the Spanish East Indies with the capital based
in the colonial centre in Manila. However, the Spanish presence only began to express
with evangelization, began at the end of the 17th century, and its dominance began to
take shape in the 18th century.
After 16th century[palau islands islands]
The conscious discovery of Palau islands islands came a century later in 1697, when a
group of Palau islands islandsans were shipwrecked on the Philippine island of Samar to
the northwest. They were interviewed by the Czech missionary Paul Klein on 28
December 1696. Klein was able to draw the first map of Palau islands islands based on
the Palau islands islandsans' representation of their home islands that they made with an
arrangement of 87 pebbles on the beach. Klein reported his findings to
the Jesuit Superior General in a letter sent in June 1697, equaling to the discovery of [12]

Palau islands islands.

Spanish era[palau islands islands]
This map and the letter caused a vast interest in the new islands. Another letter written
by Fr. Andrés Serrano was sent to Europe in 1705, essentially copying the information
given by Klein. The letters resulted in three unsuccessful Jesuit attempts to travel to
Palau islands islands from Spanish Philippines in 1700, 1708 and 1709. The islands were
first visited by the Jesuit exppalau islands islandsion led by Francisco Padilla on 30
November 1710. The exppalau islands islandsion ended with the stranding of the two
priests, Jacques Du Beron and Joseph Cortyl, on the coast of Sonsorol, because the
mother ship Santísima Trinidad was driven to Mindanao by a storm. Another ship was
sent from Guam in 1711 to save them only to capsize, causing the death of three more
Jesuit priests. The failure of these missions gave Palau islands islands the original
Spanish name Islas Encantadas (Enchanted Islands). Despite these early misfortunes, [13]

the Spanish Empire later came to dominate the islands. [citation needed]

Colonial era[palau islands islands]

Koror chiefs in 1915

British traders became prominent visitors to Palau islands islands in the 18th century,
followed by expanding Spanish influence in the 19th century. Following its defeat in
the Spanish–American War, Spain sold Palau islands islands and most of the rest of the
Caroline Islands to the German Empire in 1899 pursuant to the German–Spanish Treaty
(1899). During World War I, the Japanese Empire annexed the islands after seizing them
from Germany in 1914. Following World War I, the League of Nations formally placed the
islands under Japanese administration as part of the South Pacific Mandate.
United States era[palau islands islands]
During World War II, the United States captured Palau islands islands from Japan in
1944 after the costly Battle of Peleliu, when more than 2,000 Americans and 10,000
Japanese were killed. The islands passed formally to the United States under United
Nations auspices in 1947 as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands established
pursuant to Security Council Resolution 21.
Independence[palau islands islands]

TTPI High Commissioner and staff, 1960s

Four of the Trust Territory districts joined together and formed the Federated States of
Micronesia in 1979, but the districts of Palau islands islands and the Marshall
Islands declined to participate. Palau islands islands, the westernmost cluster of
the Carolines, instead opted for independent status in 1978. It approved a new
constitution and became the Republic of Palau islands islands in 1981. It signed
[14]

a Compact of Free Association with the United States in 1982. After eight referenda and
an amendment to the Palau islands islandsan constitution, the Compact was ratified in
1993. The Compact went into effect on 1 October 1994, marking Palau islands
[15]

islands de jure independent, although it had been de facto independent since 25 May
1994, when the trusteeship ended.
Legislation making Palau islands islands an "offshore" financial center was passed by the
Senate in 1998. In 2001, Palau islands islands passed its first bank regulation and anti-
money laundering laws.
Politics and government[palau islands islands]
Main article: Politics of Palau islands islands

Capitol of Palau islands islands, the seat of government.

Palau islands islands is a democratic republic. The President of Palau islands islands is
both head of state and head of government. Executive power is exercised by the
government, while legislative power is vested in both the government and the Palau
islands islands National Congress. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the
legislature. Palau islands islands adopted a constitution in 1981.
The governments of the United States and Palau islands islands concluded a Compact of
Free Association in 1986, similar to compacts that the United States had entered into
with the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The [16]

compact entered into force on 1 October 1994, concluding Palau islands islands's
transition from trusteeship to independence as the last portion of the Trust Territory of
[16]

the Pacific Islands to secure its independence pursuant to Security Council Resolution
956.
The Compact of Free Association between the United States and Palau islands
islands sets forth the free and voluntary association of their governments. It primarily
[17]

focuses on the issues of government, economic, security and defense relations. Palau [18]

islands islands has no independent military, relying on the United States for its defense.
Under the compact, the American military was granted access to the islands for 50 years.
The U.S. Navyrole is minimal, limited to a handful of Navy Seabees (construction
engineers). The U.S. Coast Guard patrols in national waters.
Foreign relations[palau islands islands]
Main article: Foreign relations of Palau islands islands
As a sovereign nation, Palau islands islands conducts its own foreign relations. Since [16]

independence, Palau islands islands has established diplomatic relations with a number
of nations, including many of its Pacific neighbors, like Micronesia and the Philippines.
On 29 November 1994, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution
963 recommending Palau islands islands's admission to the United Nations. The United
Nations General Assembly approved admission for Palau islands islands pursuant to
Resolution 49/63 on 15 December 1994. Palau islands islands has since joined several
[19]

other international organizations. In September 2006, Palau islands islands hosted the
first Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit. Its President has made official visits to other Pacific
countries, including Japan. [20]

The United States maintains a diplomatic delegation and an embassy in Palau islands
islands, but most aspects of the countries' relationship have to do with Compact-funded
projects, which are the responsibility of the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of
Insular Affairs. [21]

In international politics, Palau islands islands often votes with the United States with
respect to United Nations General Assembly resolutions. [22]

Palau islands islands is a member of the Nauru Agreement. [23]

In 1981, Palau islands islands voted for the world's first nuclear-free constitution. This
constitution banned the use, storage and disposal of nuclear, toxic chemical, gas
and biological weaponswithout first being approved by a ¾ majority in a
referendum. This ban delayed Palau islands islands's transition to independence,
[24]

because while negotiating the Compact, the U.S. insisted on the option to
operate nuclear propelled vessels and store nuclear weapons within the
territory, prompting campaigns for independence and denuclearisation. After several
[25] [26]

referendums that failed to achieve a ¾ majority, the people of Palau islands islands
finally approved the Compact in 1994. [27][28]

The Philippines, a neighboring ally of Palau islands islands to the west, has expressed its
intent to back Palau islands islands if ever it wishes to join ASEAN. [citation needed]

In June 2009, Palau islands islands announced that it would accept up to

seventeen Uyghurs who had previously been detained by the American military
at Guantanamo Bay, with some American compensation for the cost of their upkeep.
[29] [30]

Only one of the Uyghurs initially agreed to resettlement, but by the end of October, six
[31]

of the seventeen had been transferred to Palau islands islands. An aid agreement with
[32]

the United States, finalized in January 2010, was reported to be unrelated to the Uyghur
agreement. [33]

Administrative divisions[palau islands islands]

The sixteen states of Palau islands islands

Main article: States of Palau islands islands
Palau islands islands is divided into sixteen states (until 1984 called municipalities).
These are listed below with their areas (in square kilometers) and 2012 Census
populations:

State Area (km2) Census 2012

Aimeliik 44 281

Airai 59 2537

Angaur 8.06 130

Hatohobei 0.9 10

Kayangel 1.7 76

Koror 60.52 11670

Melekeok 26 300

Ngaraard 34 453

Ngarchelong 11.2 281

Ngardmau 34 195

68 310
Ngaremlengui

Ngatpang 33 257

Ngchesar 43 287

Ngiwal 17 226
 State Area (km2) Census 2012

Peleliu 22.3 510

Sonsorol 3.1 42

Historically, Palau islands islands's Rock Islands have been part of the State of Koror.

Republic of Palau islands islands.

Maritime law enforcement[palau islands islands]

Palau islands islands employs 18 marine police officers to patrol the nation's 230,000
square mile exclusive economic zone. They employ a donated Australian patrol boat,
the Remeliik, to hunt for poachers and unlicensed fishermen. Two small fiberglass boats
are used for littoral operations. They are based on Koror. [34]

Geography[palau islands islands]

Main article: Geography of Palau islands islands
Palau islands islands's territory consists of an archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean.
Its most populous islands are Angaur, Babeldaob, Koror and Peleliu. The latter three lie
together within the same barrier reef, while Angaur is an oceanic island several miles to
the south. About two-thirds of the population live on Koror.
The coral atoll of Kayangel is north of these islands, while the uninhabited Rock
Islands (about 200) are west of the main island group. A remote group of six islands,
known as the Southwest Islands, some 375 miles (604 km) from the main islands, make
up the states of Hatohobei and Sonsorol.
Climate[palau islands islands]
Palau islands islands has a tropical rainforest climate with an
annual mean temperature of 28 °C (82 °F). Rainfall is heavy throughout the year,
averaging 3,800 mm (150 in). The average humidityis 82% and, although rain falls more
frequently between July and October, there is still much sunshine.
Typhoons are rare, as Palau islands islands lies outside the main typhoon zone. The
strongest typhoon that struck Palau islands islands since reliable records was Typhoon
Haiyan in 2013. A mandatory emergency evacuation was issued for Kayangel. A storm
[35]

surge damaged several houses. Despite residents' refusal to evacuate safely, no

fatalities or major injuries were reported.

[hide]Climate data for Palau islands islands Islands (1961–1990)

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year

30.6 30.6 30.9 31.3 31.4 31.0 30.6 30.7 30.9 31.1 31.4 31.1 30.97
Average high °C (°F)
(87.1) (87.1) (87.6) (88.3) (88.5) (87.8) (87.1) (87.3) (87.6) (88) (88.5) (88) (87.74)

27.3 27.2 27.5 27.9 28.0 27.6 27.4 27.5 27.7 27.7 27.9 27.7 27.62
Daily mean °C (°F)
(81.1) (81) (81.5) (82.2) (82.4) (81.7) (81.3) (81.5) (81.9) (81.9) (82.2) (81.9) (81.72)

23.9 23.9 24.1 24.4 24.5 24.2 24.1 24.3 24.5 24.4 24.4 24.2 24.24
Average low °C (°F)
(75) (75) (75.4) (75.9) (76.1) (75.6) (75.4) (75.7) (76.1) (75.9) (75.9) (75.6) (75.63)

271.8 231.6 208.3 220.2 304.5 438.7 458.2 379.7 301.2 352.3 287.5 304.3 3,758.3
Average rainfall mm (inches)
(10.701) (9.118) (8.201) (8.669) (11.988) (17.272) (18.039) (14.949) (11.858) (13.87) (11.319) (11.98) (147.964)

Average rainy days 19.0 15.9 16.7 14.8 20.0 21.9 21.0 19.8 16.8 20.1 18.7 19.9 224.6

Mean monthly sunshine hours 198.4 194.9 244.9 234.0 210.8 168.0 186.0 176.7 198.0 179.8 183.0 182.9 2,357.4

Source: Hong Kong Observatory,[36]

Environment[palau islands islands]

Rock Islands in Palau islands islands.

An aerial view of limestone islands.

While much of Palau islands islands remains free of environmental degradation, areas of
concern include illegal dynamite fishing, inadequate solid waste disposal facilities
in Koror and extensive sand and coral dredging in the Palau islands islands lagoon. As
with other Pacific island nations, rising sea levelpresents a major environmental threat.
Inundation of low-lying areas threatens coastal vegetation, agriculture, and an already
insufficient water supply. Wastewater treatment is a problem, along with the handling
of toxic waste from fertilizers and biocides.
Saltwater crocodiles are also indigenous to Palau islands islands and occur in varying
numbers throughout the various mangroves and in parts of the rock islands. Although
this species is generally considered extremely dangerous, there has only been one fatal
human attack in Palau islands islands within modern history, and that was in the 1960s.
In Palau islands islands, the largest crocodile measured in at 4.5 meters (15 ft). [citation needed]

The nation is also vulnerable to earthquakes, volcanic activity, and tropical storms. Palau
islands islands already has a problem with inadequate water supply and
limited agricultural areas to support its population.
On 5 November 2005, President Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr. took the lead on a regional
environmental initiative called the Micronesia challenge, which would conserve 30% of
near-shore coastal waters and 20% of forest land by 2020. Following Palau islands
islands, the initiative was joined by the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall
Islands, and the U.S. territories of Guam and Northern Mariana Islands. Together, this
combined region represents nearly 5% of the marine area of the Pacific Ocean and 7% of
its coastline.
Sanctuary[palau islands islands]
On 25 September 2009, Palau islands islands announced that it would create the world's
first shark sanctuary. Palau islands islands banned all commercial shark fishingwithin
[37]

the waters of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The sanctuary protects about 600,000
square kilometers (230,000 sq mi) of ocean, a similar size
[38]

to France. President Johnson Toribiong announced the sanctuary at a meeting of

[39][40][41]

the United Nations. President Toribiong proposed a worldwide ban on fishing for
[39][42][43]

sharks. In 2012, Palau islands islands received the Future Policy Award from World
[39]

Future Council, because "Palau islands islands is a global leader in protecting marine
ecosystems". [44]

Economy[palau islands islands]

Main article: Economy of Palau islands islands
Palau islands islands's economy consists primarily of tourism, subsistence
agriculture and fishing. Tourist activity focuses on scuba diving and snorkeling in the
islands' rich marine environment, including its barrier reefs' walls and World War
II wrecks. The government is the largest employer, relying heavily on U.S. financial
assistance. Business and tourist arrivals numbered some 50,000 in fiscal year 2000–
2001.

Koror–Babeldaob Bridge

The population enjoys a per capita income twice that of Micronesia as a whole. Long-
term prospects for the key tourist sector have been greatly bolstered by the expansion
of air travel in the Pacific, the rising prosperity of leading East Asian countries and the
willingness of foreigners to finance infrastructure development.
Air service has at times been spotty. Palau islands islands Micronesia Air, Asian
Spirit and Pacific Flier provided service to the Philippines and other destinations at
various times during the 2000s, but all suspended service. United Airlines now provides
[45]

near-daily service to and from Guam, and once-weekly service to Yap. Also, Delta Air
Lines provides service three times per week to Tokyo.
In November 2006, Palau islands islands Saving Bank officially announced bankruptcy.
On 13 December 2006, the Palau islands islands Horizon reported that
641 depositors had been affected. Among them, 398 held less than US$5,000, with the
remainder ranging from US$5,000 to US$2 million. On 12 December 79 affected people
received compensation. Mr. Toribiong said, "The fund for the payout came from the
balance of Palau islands islands government's loan from Taiwan." From a total of US$1
million, which originally was for assisting Palau islands islands's development,
US$955,000 was left at the time of bankruptcy. Toribiong requested the Taiwanese
government use the balance to repay its loans. Taiwan agreed to the request. The
compensation would include those who held less than US$4,000 in an account. [46]

The income tax has three brackets with progressive rates of 9.3 percent, 15 percent, and
19.6 percent respectively. Corporate tax is four percent, and the sales tax is zero. There
are no property taxes.

Transportation[palau islands islands]

Palau islands islands International Airport

Palau islands islands International Airport provides scheduled direct

flights with Guam, Manila, Seoul and Taipei and since December 2010, Tokyo-
Narita. Palau islands islands Pacific Airways also has charter flights to and from Hong
Kong and Macau. In addition, the states of Angaur and Peleliu have regular service
to international destinations.
Freight, military and cruise ships often call at Malakal Harbor, on Malakal Island outside
Koror. The country has no railways, and of the 61 km or 38 mi of highways, only 36 km or
22 mi are paved. Driving is on the right and the speed limit is 40 km/h
(25 mph). Taxis are available in Koror. They are not metered and fares are negotiable.
Transportation between islands mostly relies on private boats and domestic air services.
However, there are some state run boats between islands as a cheaper alternative.

Demographics[palau islands islands]

Main article: Demographics of Palau islands islands

Historical population

Year Pop.

1970 11,210

1980 12,116
 1990 15,122

2000 21,000

The population of Palau islands islands is approximately 21,503, of whom 73% are native
Palau islands islandsans of mixed Melanesian, and Austronesian descent. There are
many Asian communities within Palau islands islands. Filipinos form the largest Asian
group and second largest ethnic group in the country. There are significant numbers
of Chinese and Koreans. There are also smaller numbers of Palau islands islandsans of
mixed or full Japanese ancestry. Smaller numbers of Bangladeshiand Nepalese migrant
workers and their descendants who came to the islands during the late 1900s can also
be found. Most Palau islands islandsans of Asian origin came during the late 1900s with
many Filipinos, Chinese, Bangladeshis and Nepalese coming to Palau islands islands as
unskilled workers and professionals. There are also small numbers
[47]

of Europeans and Americans.

Tobi villagers.

Languages[palau islands islands]

The official languages of Palau islands islands are Palau islands islandsan and English,
except for two states (Sonsorol and Hatohobei) where the local
language, Sonsorolese and Tobian, respectively, along with Palau islands islandsan, is
official. Japanese is spoken by some older Palau islands islandsans and is an official
language in the State of Angaur. Including second-language speakers, more people
[48][49]

speak English than Palau islands islandsan in Palau islands islands [1].
Religion[palau islands islands]
Main article: Religion in Palau islands islands
According to 2015 estimates 45.3% of the population is Roman Catholic,
34.9% Protestant, 6.9% Seventh-day Adventist, 5.7% Modekngeiand 3.0% Muslim. In [1]

2009, the small Jewish community sent two cyclists to the 18th Maccabiah Games. [50]

The German and Japanese occupations of Palau islands islands both subsidized
missionaries to follow the Spanish. Germans sent Roman Catholic and Protestant,
Japanese sent Shinto and Buddhist, and Spaniards sent Roman Catholic missionaries as
they controlled Palau islands islands. Three quarters of the population
are Christians (mainly Roman Catholics and Protestants), while Modekngei (a
combination of Christianity, traditional Palau islands islandsan religion and fortune telling)
and the ancient Palau islands islandsan religion are commonly observed. Japanese rule
brought Mahayana Buddhism and Shinto to Palau islands islands, which were the
majority religions among Japanese settlers. However, following Japan's World War II
defeat, the remaining Japanese largely converted to Christianity, while the remainder
continued to observe Buddhism, but stopped practicing Shinto rites. There are also [51]

approximately 400 Bengali Muslims in Palau islands islands, and recently a

few Uyghurs detained in Guantanamo Bay were allowed to settle in the island nation.

Culture[palau islands islands]

See also: Music of Palau islands islands and Palau islands islandsan language

A traditional Palau islands islandsan hut (2012)

Palau islands islandsan society follows a very strict matrilineal system. Matrilineal
practices are seen in nearly every aspect of Palau islands islandsan traditions, especially
in funeral, marriage, inheritance and the passing of traditional titles.
The cuisine includes local foods such
as cassava, taro, yam, potato, fish and pork. Western cuisine is favored among young
Palau islands islandsans and the locals are joined by foreign tourists. The rest of
Micronesia is similar with much less tourism, leading to fewer restaurants. Tourists [citation needed]

eat mainly at their hotels on such islands. Some local foods include an alcoholic drink
made from coconut on the tree; the drink made from the roots of the kava; and the
chewing of betel nuts.
The traditional government system still influences the nation's affairs, leading the federal
government to repeatedly attempt to limit its power. Many of these attempts took the form
of amendments to the constitution that were supported by the corporate sector to protect
what they deemed should be free economic zones. One such example occurred in
[citation needed]

early 2010, where the Idid clan, the ruling clan of the Southern Federation, under the
leadership of Bilung, the Southern Federation's queen, raised a civil suit against the
Koror State Public Lands Authority (KSPLA). The Idid clan laid claim over Malakal Island,
a major economic zone and Palau islands islands's most important port, citing documents
from the German Era. The verdict held that the Island belonged to the KSPLA.
Traditional government[palau islands islands]
The present day "traditional" government of Palau islands islands is a continuation of its
ancestor, composed of practices that span thousands of years. Traditionally, Palau
[citation needed]

islands islands was hierarchically organized. The lowest level is the village or hamlet,
then the chiefdom (now politically referred to as a state) and finally alliances of
chiefdoms. In ancient times, numerous federations divided power, but upon the 17th
century introduction of firearms by the British, an imbalance of power occurred.
Palau islands islands became divided into northern and southern federations. The
Northern Federation is headed by the high chief and chiefess of the ruling clan Uudes of
Melekeok state, the Reklai and Ebilreklai. They are commonly referred to as the king and
queen of the Northern Federation. This northern federation comprises the state of
Kayangel, Ngerchelong, Ngardmau, Ngiwal, Ngaraard, Ngatpang, Ngeremlengui,
Melekok, Aimeliik, Ngchesar and Airai. The Southern Federation is likewise represented
by the high chief and chiefess of the ruling Idid of Koror state.
The Southern Federation comprises the states of Koror, Peleliu and Angaur. However,
fewer and fewer Palau islands islandsans have knowledge of the concept of federations,
and the term is slowly dying out. Federations were established as a way of safeguarding
states and hamlets who shared economic, social, and political interests, but with the
advent a federal government, safeguards are less meaningful. It is interesting to note
however, that in international relations, the king of Palau islands islands is synonymous
with the Ibedul of Koror. This is because Koror is the industrial capital of the nation,
elevating his position over the Reklai of Melekeok.
It is a misconception that the king and queen of Palau islands islands, or any chief and
his female counterpart for that matter are married. Traditional leaders and their female
counterparts have always been related and unmarried (marrying relatives was a
traditional taboo). Usually, a chief and his female counterpart are brother and sister, or
close cousins, and have their own spouses.
Sports[palau islands islands]
See also: Baseball in Palau islands islands
Baseball is a popular sport in Palau islands islands after its introduction by the Japanese
in the 1920s. The Palau islands islands national baseball team won the gold medal at
the 1990, 1998 and 2010 Micronesian Games, as well as at the 2007 Pacific Games.
Palau islands islands also has a national football team, organised by the Palau islands
islands Soccer Association, but is not a member of FIFA. The Association also organizes
the Palau islands islands Soccer League.
Education[palau islands islands]
Primary education is required until age of 16. Schools include both public and private
institutions as well as some fields of study available at Palau islands islands Community
College. For further undergraduate, graduate and professional programs, students travel
abroad to attend tertiary institutions. Popular choices among Palau islands islandsan
scholars include the San Diego State University and the University of the South Pacific. [52]

Palau islands

islandsnews has

related news: Bones

of "small-bodied

humans" found in

cave

Cuisine[palau islands islands]

See also: List of Oceanian cuisines
Palau islands islands has its own cuisine, for instance, a dessert called tama. Palau
[53]

islands islandsan cuisine includes local foods such

as cassava, taro, yam, potato, fish and pork. Fruit bat soup is a commonly referenced
Palau islands islandsan delicacy. [54]

In art, film and television[palau islands islands]

Several television programs and films have been shot in Palau islands islands. Examples
include the reality show Survivor: Palau islands islands and the 1968 film Hell in the
 Pacific starring Lee Marvin. A television documentary about Palau islands
[55]

islands, Strategic Trust: The Making of Nuclear-free Palau islands islands, was narrated
by Joanne Woodward and aired in the United States in 1984. Graphic artist Rolf [56]

Weijburg produced a colour etch of Turtle Cove, a dive site in Palau islands islands. . [57][58]

See also[palau islands islands]

 Geography portal

 Oceania portal

 Micronesia portal

 Imeong Conservation Area

 Index of Palau islands islands-related articles
 List of islands in Palau islands islands
 Ngebedech Terraces
 Outline of Palau islands islands
 Palau islands islands'amine
 Visa policy of Palau islands islands

References[palau islands islands]

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Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. Retrieved 10 September 2017.
3. ^ Jump up to:a b c d Palau islands islands. imf.org
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December 2015.
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islandsembassy.com. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
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Finance.
7. Jump up^ Culture of Palau islands islands – Every Culture. Retrieved 25 May 2012.
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10. Jump up^ Palau islands islands – Historical Boys' Clothing. Retrieved 25 May 2012.
11. Jump up^ Palau islands islands – Foreign Ships in Micronesia. Retrieved 25 May 2012.
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protectores de la Tierra, con la practica de su deuocion. por Francisco Foppens. pp. 132–.
13. Jump up^ Francis X. Hezel, SJ, Catholic Missions in the Carolines and Marshall Islands. Micsem.org. Retrieved on 12
September 2015.
14. Jump up^ "Pacific Island Battleground Now the Republic of Belau". Bangor, Maine, USA: Bangor Daily News, via
Google News. Associated Press. 23 January 1981.
15. Jump up^ "Palau islands islands Gains Independence on Saturday". Salt Lake City, Utah, USA: The Deseret News,
via Google News. Associated Press. 30 September 1994.
16. ^ Jump up to:a b c "Compact of Free Association: Palau islands islands's use of and accountability for U.S. assistance
and prospects for economic self-sufficiency" (PDF). Report to Congressional Committees. United States Government Accountability
Office. GAO-08-732: 1–2. 10 June 2008. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
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of Palau islands islands Archived 6 October 2011 at the Wayback Machine., preamble
18. Jump up^ Compact of Free Association Between the Government of the United States of America and the government
of Palau islands islands Archived 6 October 2011 at the Wayback Machine., Table of Contents
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Membership in the United Nations'', adopted 15 December 1994. Un.org. Retrieved on 12 September 2015.
20. Jump up^ "The President of the Republic of Palau islands islands to Visit Japan". Tokyo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of
Japan. 2014-12-15.
21. Jump up^ Responsibilities and Authorities. USDOI Office of Insular Affairs. doi.gov
22. Jump up^ General Assembly – Overall Votes – Comparison with U.S. vote lists Palau islands islands as in the country
with the third high coincidence of votes. Palau islands islands has always been in the top three.
23. Jump up^ "Pacific nations extend bans on tuna fishing". Radio Australia. East West Center. 5 October 2010.
Retrieved 6 October 2010.
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April 1979. Retrieved 1 November 2009.
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Accountability Office. July 1989. Retrieved 1 November 2009.
26. Jump up^ Morei, Cita (1998), "Planting the mustard seed of world peace", in dé Ishtar, Zohl, Pacific women speak out
for independence and denuclearisation, Christchurch, Aotearoa/New Zealand Annandale, New South Wales, Australia: Women's
International League for Peace and Freedom (Aotearoa) Disarmament and Security Centre (Aotearoa) Pacific
Connections, ISBN 9780473056667
 27. Jump up^ Lyons, Richard D. (6 November 1994). "Work Ended, Trusteeship Council Resists U.N. Ax for Now". The
New York Times. Retrieved 1 November 2009.
28. Jump up^ "Trusteeship Mission reports on Palau islands islands voting. (plebiscite on the Compact of Free
Association with the United States)". 27 (2). UN Chronicle. June 1990.
29. Jump up^ "Pacific state Palau islands islands to take Uighur detainees". CTV News. 10 June 2009. Archived from the
original on 1 January 2013. Retrieved 11 June 2009.
30. Jump up^ Kirit Radia (10 June 2009). "US and Palau islands islands wrangling over Gitmo transfer details, including
$$$". ABC News. Archived from the original on 1 November 2009.
31. Jump up^ "Palau islands islands Government still not sure if Uighurs are coming". Radio New Zealand International.
30 June 2009. Archived from the original on 1 November 2009.
32. Jump up^ "Six Guantanamo Uighurs arrive in Palau islands islands: US". Agence France-Presse. 31 October 2009.
Archived from the original on 31 October 2009.
33. Jump up^ "Palau islands islands receives aid boost from US". Australia Network News. 30 January 2010. Archived
from the original on 4 February 2010. The president insisted there was no link to the island's hosting of six inmates from
Guantanamo Bay. Palau islands islands had earlier rejected a 156 million dollar offer and the settlement came after the island
nation agreed to resettle six Muslim Uighurs who had been held for more than seven years at the US naval base at Guantanamo
Bay. The six arrived in Palau islands islands in November. But Johnson said the two issues were not related.
34. Jump up^ Urbina, Ian (21 February 2016), "Sea Sweepers", The New York Times Magazine, pp. 40–49
35. Jump up^ Kitamoto, Asanobu. "Histogram of Typhoons Within 1 Degree of Koror". Digital Typhoon. Retrieved 25
January 2015.
36. Jump up^ "Climatological Information for Palau islands islands Islands, Pacific Islands, United States". Hong Kong
Observatory.
37. Jump up^ "Palau islands islands creates world's first shark haven". The Philippine Star. 26 September 2009.
Retrieved 28 September 2009.
38. Jump up^ Richard Black (25 September 2009). Palau islands islands pioneers 'shark sanctuary'. BBC News.
39. ^ Jump up to:a b c "Palau islands islands's EEZ becomes shark sanctuary". Xinhua News Agency. 27 September 2009.
Archived from the original on 30 September 2009. Retrieved 28 September 2009.
40. Jump up^ Sophie Tedmanson (26 September 2009). "World's first shark sanctuary created by Pacific island of Palau
islands islands". The Times. London. Retrieved 28 September 2009.
41. Jump up^ Ker Than (25 September 2009). "France-Size Shark Sanctuary Created – A First". National Geographic.
Retrieved 28 September 2009.
42. Jump up^ "Palau islands islands creates shark sanctuary to protect tourism and prevent overfishing". Radio New
Zealand. 27 September 2009. Retrieved 28 September 2009.
43. Jump up^ Cornelia Dean (24 September 2009). "Palau islands islands to Ban Shark Fishing". The New York Times.
Retrieved 28 September 2009.
44. Jump up^ "Tiny Nation of Palau islands islands Proves Sharks Worth More Alive Than Dead". Jakarta Globe. 22
October 2012. Archived from the original on 27 October 2012.
45. Jump up^ Ghim-Lay Yeo. "Palau islands islands's PacificFlier relooks business plan after suspension". Flightglobal.
Retrieved 13 September 2011.
46. Jump up^ 李光儀、王光慈. "帛琉銀行倒閉 賠償存戶竟由台灣埋單 (Taiwan pay for the bill of compensation for PSB
bankruptcy)". udn.com Center. Archived from the original on 24 December 2010. Retrieved 20 December 2010.
47. Jump up^ Asia in the Pacific Islands: Replacing the West pg 60, 61
48. Jump up^ "CIA – The World Factbook – Field Listing :: Languages". Central Intelligence Agency. Archived from the
original on 17 February 2010. Retrieved 17 February 2010.
49. Jump up^ Paul M. Lewis (ed) (2009). "Languages of Palau islands islands". SIL International. Archived from the
original on 17 February 2010. Retrieved 17 February 2010.
50. Jump up^ Sokolow, Moshe (6 December 2012). "I've Got Friends in Low-lying Places..." Jewish Ideas Daily.
Retrieved 7 August 2013.
51. Jump up^ Brigham Young University—Hawaii Campus (1981), p. 36
52. Jump up^ "Palau islands islands Education System". www.classbase.com. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
53. Jump up^ "Tama – A Year Cooking the World". ayearcookingtheworld.com. Retrieved 2018-01-24.
54. Jump up^ "Fruit bat soup has chicken-like taste". Newcastle Herald. 2016-06-12. Retrieved 2018-03-09.
55. Jump up^ "'Pirates of Palau islands islands' pose problem". The Des Moines Register. Des Moines, Iowa. 23 May
1969. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
56. Jump up^ "Strategic Trust: The Making of Nuclear-free Palau islands islands". The Salina Journal. Salina, Texas. 20
May 1984. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
57. Jump up^ https://www.diveplanit.com/dive-site/turtle-cove/
58. Jump up^ http://www.weijburg.nl/portofolio/etsen/739v.jpg

External links[palau islands islands]

Find more aboutPalau islands islandsat Palau islands islandspedia's sister projects

 Definitions from Wiktionary

 Media from Palau islands islandsmedia Commons

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 Texts from Palau islands islandssource

 Textbooks from Palau islands islandsbooks

 Travel guide from Palau islands islandsvoyage

 Learning resources from Palau islands islandsversity

 Data from Palau islands islandsdata

 "Palau islands islands". The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency.

 Palau islands islands from the University of Colorado at Boulder Libraries (USA)
– Government Publications.
 Australian library online, subscription, or membership via institutional access, is
required.
 Palau islands islands at Curlie (based on DMOZ)
 Palau islands islands profile from the BBC News
 Palau islands islands Encyclopædia Britannica entry
 Palau islands islandsmedia Atlas of Palau islands islands
 NOAA's National Weather Service – Palau islands islands
 The Interesting History of Prince Lee Boo, Brought to England from the Pelew
Islands From the Collections at the Library of Congress
Government[palau islands islands]

 Republic of Palau islands islands National Government

 Embassy of the Republic of Palau islands islands in Japan
 Chief of State and Cabinet Members
 Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Palau islands islands to the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
 Honorary Consulate-General of Palau islands islands to Belgium
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Location

Flag

Quick Facts
Capital Melekeok
Government constitutional government in free association with the United States
Currency US dollar ($, USD)
Area 458km²
Population 20,579 (July 2006 est.)
Language English and Palau islandsan; also Sonsorolese, Tobi, Angaur, Japanese
Religion Roman Catholic 42%, Protestant 23%, Modekngei 9% (indigenous to Palau islands), Seventh-Day Adventist 5%, Jehovah's Witness 1%, Latter-Day
Saints 0.6%, other religion 3%, unspecified or none 16%
Electricity 120V, 60Hz (North American plug)
Country code +680
Internet TLD .pw
Time Zone UTC +9

Palau islands (Belau) is a group of islands in the Micronesia area of Oceania, to the southeast of the Philippines.

Understand[palau islands]
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. Palau islands officially became independent on 1 Oct 1994.

History[palau islands]
Early Palau islandsans may have come from Polynesia and Asia. Depending on the origin of a family, Palau islandsans may represent
many parts of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. However, they are not traditionally considered to be Micronesian. For thousands
of years, Palau islandsans have had a well established matrilineal society, believed to have descended from Javanese precedents.

Palau islands had limited relations before the 18th century, mainly with Yap and Java. Had it not been for shipwrecked islanders who
took refuge in the Philippines, Europeans likely would not have found Palau islands until much later. Englishman Captain Henry
Wilson was shipwrecked off the island of Ulong in 1783 and it was Wilson who gave the archipelago the name "Pelew Islands".

In the late 19th century, possession of the islands was claimed by Britain, Spain, and Germany. In 1885, the matter was brought to
Pope Leo XIII for a decision. The Pope recognized the Spanish claim, but granted economic concessions to Britain and Germany.
Palau islands then became part of the Spanish East Indies, along with the Northern Mariana Islands, the Caroline Islands and
the Marshall Islands. They were all administered from the Philippines. Spain sold the Palau islands archipelago to Germany in 1899
after which it was administered from German New Guinea, and a period of economic development began. German engineers began
exploiting the islands' deposits of bauxite and phosphate, and a rich harvest in copra was made. WWI intervened and the German
period lasted only 15 years after which the League of Nations awarded Palau islands to Japan. The Japanese presence made Palau
islands a major target for the Allied forces in World War II, and there were several major battles in the area.

Climate[palau islands]
Palau islands enjoys a tropical climate all year round with an annual mean temperature of 82°F (28°C). Rainfall can occur throughout
the year, averaging a total of 150 inches (3,800mm). The average humidity over the course of the year is 82%, and although rain falls
more frequently between July and October, there is still much sunshine. Typhoons are rare, as Palau islands is outside the main
typhoon zone.
Regions[palau islands]

Babeldaob (Melekeok)
the largest Island, with a population of roughly 6,000 people, also Babelthuap, Babelthwap, Babeldoub, Babeldaub, etc.
Koror
home of the largest city of the same name
 Rock Islands
made up of almost 300 mostly uninhabited islands, home to Jellyfish Lake, a lake with millions of jellyfish with very weak stingers where
snorkelers can safely swim.
Peleliu
about 700 people live here, mostly in the village of Kloulklubed
Angaur
remote southern outpost with about 200 inhabitants, site of a major WWII naval battle and a modern day surfing destination of some repute
Sonsorol Islands
consists of Sonsorol and Hatohobei states, these islands are home to about 100 people way to the southwest of the rest of Palau islands.

Cities[palau islands]

 Melekeok - is the new capital with a population of just 381 (!) This is on the island of Babeldaob and is a pleasant drive
from Koror along the new road constructed by Daewoo. Head out over the bridge and the road to Melekeok is clearly
signposted.
 Koror - the largest city and former capital. Koror contains Palau islands's only real concentration of shops, restaurants, and
hotels. Many of the largest dive operators are also based here.

Other destinations[palau islands]

The South West islands of Palau islands are worth a visit if you have your own marine transport such as an ocean-going yacht. There
are Sonsorol, Fana, Meriil, Hatohobei and Helen Reef, a conservation area. However be sure to take mosquito repellent if visiting
Meriil as its local name is dancing island. Go there and you will find out why! If intending to visit any of these islands it is a wise idea to
make the acquaintance of the governors at their offices in Koror itself. If you are lucky you just might be able to take a trip on the
island supply vessel the Atoll Way. Sleeping is on a hard wooden platform along with the other souls who are either returning to their
home islands or maybe the doctor from Peleliu island hospital who is making a routine visit to check up on the health of the islanders.

Get in[palau islands]

Visa-free[palau islands]
Marshallese, Micronesian, and US/American Samoan citizens do not require a visa to enter Palau islands for up to a year. Citizens
of Israel do not require a visa for up to 90 days.

Visa[palau islands]
Nearly all other visitors can receive a free 30-day tourism visa on arrival. Citizens of Bangladesh and Myanmar must obtain a visa in
advance for entry. For the latest information, contact the Palau islands Embassy in your country. Most travellers arrive by air from
Guam, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan (Taipei), or the Philippines (Manila). Visitors must have a current passport, and a return airline
ticket to travel to Palau islands. Warning: there is not one, but TWO taxes you will have to pay on exit from Palau islands -- $30 green
tax and $20 head tax -- a total of $50 (December 2016).

By plane[palau islands]
The only realistic choice. There is only one airport, Airai (ROR), on Babeldaob.

Visitors can take United Airlines' daily flights from Guam (c. $600), which has connections to Japan and the United States, as well as
from Manila, Philippines.

Delta Air Lines launched daily service to (ROR) from Tokyo-Narita (NRT) on December 2010 with connections on to many
destinations throughout Asia as well as to its hub cities in the US (including Hawaii).

Asiana Airlines and Korean Air currently operate regularly scheduled flights from Seoul's Incheon airport.
There are also chartered flights direct from Taipei, South Korea, and Japan on a variety of operators.

The airport is small and has few facilities, and it might happen that no taxis are available on arrival. The best option is to book in
advance local transportation with your hotel, otherwise you should call taxi from downtown to pick you up. There are some car rental
booths, but they might be closed on weekend. Again, if you need to rent a car, is better to book in advance. As of December 2016,
airport facilities are deplorable -- you cannot buy even a bottle of water. Taxis are extremely expensive -- $20 to $30 for a distance of
about 6 km to Koror- this is a complete rip-off. The airport has no Internet connection whatsoever, paid or free; there is no air
conditioning in the main hall. Be warned that the airport is simply dirty and filthy -- and except for a few tiny seats, there are no places
to sit.

By boat[palau islands]
Possible but not very easy.

Get around[palau islands]

By road[palau islands]
Taxis and rented cars are available. Lots of local taxis can be found in Koror - they are not metered and fares are negotiable.
If you rent a car, be prepared to drive slowly on some bumpy roads. The road north was recently paved and is very nice... once you
get past the airport. Traffic moves on the right, however many cars are right hand drive which can cause some confusion. The national
speed limit is 40 km/h (25 mph). If you drive south, to Ice Box Park, please note that the facility behind it is a sewage treatment plant.

By sea[palau islands]
To move between the islands, you can make use of private boats or use the "government run boats" as a cheaper alternative.
Do[palau islands][add listing]

Bull Shark

Palau islands is most famous for scuba diving. One of the most famous dive sites - Blue Corner, with constant sharks and a high
current - is located less than 1 hour's boat ride from most resorts. Many live aboards like Ocean Hunter operate out of Palau islands.
There are also tours to WWII battle fields on Palau islands.
The Blue Corner, German Channel, Ulong Channel and Blue Holes are all amazing dive sites. You can dive the same site again
and again and have completely different experiences each time.
Palau islands is also famous for its Jellyfish Lake. This lake contains jellyfish which have evolved away their stingers in the absence of
predators. Prior to 2017 there were many tours which took visitors to Jellyfish Lake to snorkel (no SCUBA diving allowed). Palau
islands Jellyfish Lake [19] was included in the category of natural phenomena and scientific mysteries. Aside from the cost of the
tour (around $100), there was a $100 permit for the jellyfish lake which was valid for ten days. As of early 2018, Jellyfish Lake has
been closed to visitors for over a year. The jellyfish have almost all died due to irresponsible tourists wearing sunscreen in the water,
damaging the fragile and unique ecosystem of this incredible lake. The few remaining jellyfish are being protected, with the hope that
their population will rebound. According to current estimates, this could take two years or more. Access to the lake is currently
prohibited (and even if you went, there wouldn't be much to see).

Long Island Park offers a mildly interesting snorkeling area. It's located just south of the two bridges that connect Koror and Malakal.
From Koror, cross the first bridge and then turn left.

Icebox Park, at the southern tip of Malakal, offers a nice view. However, swimming is not advised as it is immediately adjacent to a
waste water outlet (clearly visible at low tide).
Nikko Bay is a great place for kayaking and snorkeling. A good place to launch your kayak is Ngermid Boat Pier. Head a few hundred
meters south from the pier and you will see a floating wooden dock, under which lives a huge Napoleon fish. Snorkeling around the
islets to the immediate west of the dock is quite impressive.
IMPAC[20], short for Imperial Palau islands Corporation provides day tours to Rock Islands including jellyfish tour and kayaking tours.

 Exppalau islandsion Fleet, [1]. , is the largest privately owned live-aboard fleet in the Philippines. Their ships operate all
over the Philippine Island and Palau islands. Exppalau islandsion Fleet is known for experienced and professional Dive Masters
as well as excellent service on board. palau islands

 Splash, [2]. , the dive shop attached to the Palau islands Pacific Resort is recommended. The equipment available for
rental is of high quality, and either new or well maintained. The dive masters are also very experienced, responsible and know
the dive sites very well. Angelo at Splash is highly recommended as a dive master especially if you have not dived in stronger
currents. It should be noted that Splash runs a rather large, wide dive boat, containing 20+ divers. palau islands

 Fish 'n Fins, [3]. is the oldest dive center in Palau islands. They currently have two live-aboard vessels, as well as seven
smaller (and faster!) dive boats, operating from the base in Koror. The guides are very professional and are more than willing to
share their extensive knowledge of the ocean and the life in it. Divers can use Nitrox EAN 32 for the same price as air. Gas
mixtures for technical divers are also available. palau islands

 Sam's Tours, [4]. is another dive shop in Palau islands that offers diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing and land tours.
They have some great guides that provide educational and environmental information about the locales. Sam's Tours uses
small, fast narrow boats which carry 4~8 divers. palau islands
 Palau islands Dive & Scuba, [5]. Small, personable service that brings together all the information on dive sites,
conditions and dive centers for Palau islands. palau islands
 Sara Guide Service, ☎ 488 6856, [6]. Environmentally responsible professional sports fishing guides in Koror. They have
experienced Palau islandsan boat captains and Japanese and Western guides that make you feel welcome. Catch and release
fish and have a great time! Great food too on their 8 and 10m boats. palau islands
 Palau islands Dive Adventures, ☎ 888-334-3483 (DIVE), [7]. is located on the premises of the popular Sea Passion
Hotel. Palau islands Dive Adventures dive shop runs tailored group trips (8-10 divers)on a weekly (M-F) basis. Divers dive all
week from the same boat, with the same group and dive guide. At night they stay in comfortable,land-based accommodations.
The entire week's dive site itinerary is tailored to the desires of the guests and the staff at Palau islands Dive Adventures works
with the groups to ensure maximum time on the water by day and comfort on land at night. Palau islands Dive Adventures
supplies Nitrox EAN 32 and will accommodate special dive needs and requests. palau islands

 Palau islands 7th Wonder Dive and Tours, ☎ +680 775 8099, [8]. it is located at Koror, Palau islands . The exact
location of it is at the back of WCTC Shopping Mall. The owner, office staff, boat captain and Tour Guides are all professional.
The languages that they can speak are English, Chinese and Palau islandsan. They give the standard Service. palau islands

Talk[palau islands]
English and Palau islandsan are spoken widely and are the official languages.

Palau islandsan is a Malayo-Polynesian language that is influenced by Japanese, Spanish, and German. For
example: mado (window) or tanjobi (birthday) are Japanese words, and ikelesia (church) comes from Spanish.

In the states of Sonsorol and Hatohobei, the local languages Sonsorolese and Tobian respectively are official languages alongside
Palau islandsan.

Japanese is an official language in the state of Angaur, and is widely spoken across Palau islands by older Palau islandsans.

Filipino (largely based on Tagalog) is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and shops due to the large number of Filipinos working in
these establishments. Kuya (older brother) and Ate (older sister) are even used as general terms for calling out to people.

See[palau islands][add listing]

 Palau islands International Coral Reef Center, ☎ 680.488.6950 (picrc@picrc.org), [9]. Very educational aquarium with
a good souvenir shop. Emphasis of displays is on education. They include a topographical map of Palau islands; a recreation of
a mangrove swamp, a seagrass aquarium; an inner reef aquarium; an exhibition of coral and another of the country's famed
jellyfish; deep-water aquariums and a couple of salt-water crocodiles to end the tour. Easy walk from downtown Koror in the
direction of Malakal palau islands
 Etpison Museum, Main Road, Koror, Palau islands (on the right side of the road coming from the airport going to
Koror), ☎ (680) 488-6730, [10]. Monday - Saturday: 9am - 5pm. The museum is dedicated to the late Palau islands President
Ngiratkel Etpison (1989-1993). The 3-story building houses 2 floors of Palau islandsan and Micronesian artifacts, displays,
photography and information. The top floor has restrooms, more displays, and a large gift shop selling art, jewelry, books and
souvenirs. It also doubles as the French Consulate office in Palau islands. $10 (tourists). palau islands

Buy[palau islands][add listing]

Palau islands uses the US dollar as its currency. Visa and Master cards are commonly accepted, however, American Express
generally is not accepted. WCTC and Surangel and Sons are the two biggest stores with a grocery and department stores. There are
numerous souvenir shops, convenience stores, and boutiques throughout Palau islands but the largest concentration is in downtown
Koror. If you are from a country or territory with the US dollar as a official currency, you will not need to worry about understanding
prices and currency transferring. Also if you are from Bermuda, East Timor, Panama, or Bahamas, the official currency(ies) of the
mentioned countries and territories have fixed exchange rates to the US Dollar. Meaning what price is said in Palau islands will be
understood with your country's/territory's official currency. Example; $150 US Dollars will equal $150 Bermudian dollars, but you will
still have to exchange currencies.

 W.C.T.C. Shopping Center, Koror (Located at the heart of Koror), ☎ +680 488-1633/2394/1484. 7:00am-10pm. This is
the shopping destination in town. It has a full-size grocery store, a drug-store, digital photo printing, The Athlete's Foot, and a
full-service department store with a broad selection of local souvenirs. palau islands

 Surangel and Sons Company, Main Road, Koror, Palau islands, ☎ +680 488-2608, [11]. Sunday - Thursday (7am -
10pm); Friday (7am to sunset); Saturday (sunset - 10pm). The store has a grocery at the ground floor, department store on the
second floor, and other shops and offices on other floors. Surangel and Sons Company (SASCO) is a multi-faceted company
carrying a wide range of products for wholesale and retail distribution. Surangel's Grocery offer the islands most complete
selection of fresh produce, frozen meats, canned goods and health food. Mason's Hardware Do-It Center offers a large
selection of quality hardware and construction supplies at low prices. Surangel's Department Store carries a broad range of
products from Bench, Rusty Lopez, Dickies, Huffy, Freestyle, Fisher Price, Hufty, V-tech and Sony are but a few of the brands
we carry. RAW Surf & Dive Shop offers a wide range of surf wear, scuba diving gear, sporting goods and fishing supplies.
Brands carried include: Quiksilver, Roxy, Billabong, O'Neil, Oakley, Levis, Scuba Pro, Adidas, Accel Sports, Wilson, Crossman,
Strike Pro Lures, Yo-Zuri, Omoto Fishing Tackael and Pen Reels among others. palau islands

Costs[palau islands]
As you might expect from a remote island where tourism is the main industry, prices are comparatively high, and even a low-end daily
budget would be around $100/day. Meals in restaurants and cafes are generally between $5 and $10. Snack shops that also serve
hamburgers, pasta, and rice meals offer food starting at $3. Meals in mid- to high-end restaurants start at $20.
Shopping[palau islands]
Palau islandsan storyboards are traditional wood carvings depicting Palau islandsan myths and legends.

Eat[palau islands][add listing]

 Almost everything. Palau islands has large communities from Taiwan, the Philippines, Korea, Japan and the USA and
the local stores have evolved to supply their needs. So Koror offers an amazing range of foodstuffs in its stores, at a price of
course. Japanese-inspired Bento lunch boxes are very popular.

 The Rock Island Cafe in Koror is a great place for a quick bit of American-style food. It is located a little west of the Court
House on Koror Island.

 Kramer's - on the wharf at Malakal. A bit hard to find for the first time but food is good and the nightlife always interesting.

 Bem Ermii is in a small trailer near the courthouse in downtown Koror, and makes great burgers and milkshakes.

 Carp is a good medium-range option with generous portions and well prepared dishes of Japanese and local flavor,
including coconut crab. It's located adjascent to the Palau islands Royal hotel next to the dock that takes you to the Carp Island
resort.
Several other places of note in Koror are the Taj, an excellent Indian restaurant, Fuji, a reasonably-priced pseudo-Japanese
restaurant or Dragon Tai on the way into Koror.

 Keanos (Formerly Little Italy), Main Street, Koror (Across from Palasia Hotel), ☎ 488-6637. Keanos has an extensive,
tasty menu, primarily Italian cuisine, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The atmosphere is bright, and two entrees and two
drinks came to $45. palau islands
 Anathias Cafe, Main Street (Across from Palau islands High School), ☎ 488-6491. 7 AM - 11 PM, Closed
Sunday. Anthias Cafe is an inviting bar/restaurant, playing American jazz in both the enclosed downstairs and open air upstairs
sections. Large menu with a reasonable bar selection, $5 local draft beers served in chilled glasses. Prices are typical of Palau
islands. Only downside is substantial traffic noise when on the upstairs deck. palau islands

Drink[palau islands][add listing]

The legal drinking and purchasing age of alcoholic beverages is 21.

Red Rooster Beer.Despite its size Palau islands has a small brewery, to be found next to the West Plaza by the Sea hotel (see
below). It offers Amber and Stout and three other beers. Abai Ice in Koror is a small hut that offers fresh fruit smoothies --
highly recommended.

Many licensed establishments in Palau islands -- from quiet little bars to "Japanese"-style karaoke bars complete with bar girls. For a
decent affordable drink, try Sam's Dive Shop or High Tide behind Neco dive shop. Alcohol is readily available at most stores. Public
drinking is not allowed, and the local police are more than happy to inconvenience you if you are caught.

 Q-ball club, (koror), ☎ 4881832. you can play pool and chill out palau islands

 Palm Bay Bistro, Malakal (right behind West Plaza Malakal, south Koror, right before the Ice Box Plant), ☎ 488-
3476. 7AM-9PM. Great steaks and pastas, and it has the best bartender in Koror with a jewel of a collection of signature drinks
and coffees. Also serves Red Rooster Draft on tap and is located right next door to the Palau islands Brewing Company, Palau
islands's own microbrewery. Brewery tours also available upon request. palau islands

Sleep[palau islands][add listing]

 Rose Garden Hotel, Mcyuns, Koror, ☎ 680-488-7672, [12]. Built into a hill side, the rustic Rose Garden has a lot of steps,
which would be difficult for elderly or disabled guests to negotiate. The on-site restaurant serves large portions of good quality
local, Japanese, Korean and American staples. A hotel shuttle is available to ferry you into town for $6. palau islands

Budget[palau islands]
Palau islands offers a number of guest house style boutique accommodations. Some are close to or within Koror, some are not.
These are available for international bookings via dive shops that offer holiday packages (such as Sam's Tours[21]). Prices range
from US$50 a night upward.

 Guest Lodge Motel, ("Free), ☎ (680) 488-6320/21/22 (shmull@palau islandsnet.com, fax: (680) 488-5616). The Guest
Lodge Motel offers a nice and clean place to stay if you just need a place to sleep and relax between days of outdoor activities.
Note that the building looks a bit shoddy from the outside, because the top floor is not finished. Rooms have AC, refrigerator,
Cable TV, 130 V as well as 230 V power outlets, shower/bath, towels etc. palau islands
 Ms. Pinetrees Hostel / Bed and Breakfast, ("Transfer), ☎ (680) 488-2441 / (680) 775-
3570 (mspinetrees@gmail.com). This is a beautiful hostel-style villa with modern amenities and two types of rooms: dormitory
or private. Air conditioning and wifi available; common areas make guests feel right at home—two living rooms, large outdoor
terrace, dining room, and fully-equipped kitchen, movie collection, etc. Guests can reserve a bed, room or the entire villa (sleeps
up to 16 guests). Not located on the water, but down a quiet street and an easy two-minute walk to the main street with shops
and restaurants. palau islands

Mid-range[palau islands]
There are also a number of nice basic hotels available in Palau islands.

 Sea Passion Hotel, ☎ +680.488.0066, [13]. The hotel has many room types to choose from, including sea view and
mountain view rooms accommodating 1-4 people in a room. On-site facilities include a dive shop (Palau islands Dive
Adventures- see url-"http://www.palau islandsdiveadventures.com/") and a Watersports Center specializing in day snorkel and
kayaking trips. ″. palau islands

 Airai Water Paradise Hotel & Spa, ☎ +680.587.3530, [14]. The hotel features three of the largest things of Palau
islands—the largest storyboard full of Palau islands history, the largest water park with two water slides, and the largest
olympic-sized swimming pool. Standard rooms, honeymoon suites, and newly-renovated ocean view suites are available. ″.
palau islands

 The Penthouse Hotel, ☎ +680.488.1941, [15]. The hotel is located in downtown Koror, just across WCTC. A favorite
among locals for meetings and functions. It has rooms with two double beds or a singe queen-sized bed. Each room has a
refrigerator, TV, bath tub, and iron, ideal for businessmen and visiting students. Breakfast is not included in the rate but their in-
house restaurant serves American, Palau islandsan, and Filipino dishes plus baked goods and cakes. ″. palau islands

 West Plaza by the Sea, ☎ +680.488.2133, [16]. Features 36 rooms overlooking the ocean lagoon and nearby islands.
Rooms range from standard class to deluxe rooms with kitchenettes, and a penthouse suite on the roof deck with a large
private veranda, whirpool bath, kitchenette, and plenty of spacious living area. West Plaza By the Sea also features the Red
Rooster Cafe. The cafe offers a wide selection of Japanese Cruisine, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The nightly happy
hour features Palau islands's only locally brewed beer on tap, Red Rooster Draft. ″. palau islands

 West Plaza Desekel, ☎ +680.488.2133, [17]. Conveniently located near museums, restaurants and banks. West Plaza
Desekel offers 30 rooms ranging from deluxe to standard accommodations. Located on the Hotel's ground floor is the Deskel
Market, a full service grocery store complete with ice cold beverages, fresh local and imported produce and a large assortment
of Western and Asian foods. ″. palau islands

 The Caroline's Resort, ☎ +680.488.3754, [18]. A few minutes outside of downtown Koror, this charming option offers
accomodation in several bungalows nestled in the hills amongst the jungle. The bungalows are quite well equipped with A/C,
satellite TV, attached bathrooms and bar fridges. Each also has an external patio with views over the ocean. Nice touches
include the option to have breakfast served on your patio, and guests also have access to the Palau islands Pacific Resort's
amenities so you can enjoy the beach and pool during the day. palau islands

Splurge[palau islands]
There are lots of reasonably high end resorts on Palau islands, most catering for scuba divers.

 Palau islands Pacific Resort [22] is a world class resort on the outskirts of Koror. Known locally as PPR, it is very nice
(beautiful beach, excellent restaurant, vaulted ceilings) but it is also quite a ways out of Koror (10-15 minute drive). They do run
an hourly shuttle into Koror most evenings, or it will set you back about $7 each way for a cab.
 Palau islands Royal Resort [23] One of the newest hotels in Palau islands - catering largely to Japanese. Conveniently
located in Malakal, only a couple minutes walk away from either Sam's Dive Shop or Neco Marine.
 COVE Resort Palau islands [24] is a waterfront haven designed for adventure and relaxation alike, offering 71 rooms and
three suites with Sealy Deluxe mattresses and upgraded amenities like 48-inch flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars and room
service. Resort features include complimentary international daily buffet breakfast, the largest lagoon pool in Palau islands, with
relaxed island cocktail bar, onsite dining at The Hungry Marlin Restaurant and Bar and concierge assistance offering tailor
made dive and rock Island tours and dolphin encounters.

Learn[palau islands]
Palau islands Community College offers both AS/AA degrees and occupational certificates. The campus library is open to the public,
and offers computer terminals for community members and visitors to check email.

Work[palau islands]
US citizens and citizens of the U.S. territory of American Samoa may live and work freely in Palau islands.
Aside from U.S. military aid, Palau islands's economy is heavily focused on tourism and offshore banking. However in comparison to
most other Pacific island territories and countries, the average Palau islandsan can earn up to US$8,000 a year. Which in the case of
money, Palau islands is one of the best options.

Stay safe[palau islands]

Palau islands is quite a safe country to visit. Walking in downtown Koror at night, even past midnight is quite safe. But as with any
place in the world today, common sense prevails. Pedestrians should be careful, as sidewalks are limited even in downtown Koror.

The constitution prohibits private ownership of firearms. Mere possession of bullets (used as a necklace or amulet by some) is
punishable by law.

Stay healthy[palau islands]

The remote atoll of Helen Reef

Saltwater Crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) still exist in Palau islands's mangroves and in the beautiful Rock Islands and can
potentially be found anywhere on the island. Despite their fearsome and, in some areas, very justified reputation, here they rarely
grow to the immense size that they do in Australia and New Guinea. There was only one fatal attack by a crocodile in Palau islands
within recorded history and that occurred in 1965. The biggest crocodile in Palau islands's history was 14', 2" in length - large, but this
is an average size for saltwater crocodiles in most other countries. The rarity of attacks probably stems from the fact that there are no
more than 450 adult individuals currently on the island. Snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular in Palau islands and there has
never in recent history been a report of an attack on a tourist. Judging from a recent survey, it appears crocodiles are quite unjustly
hated by the locals, in harsh contrast to the worship they are given by the indigenous peoples of Australia, New Guinea and the
Solomon Islands. The reasons for this is that crocodiles are a delicacy to some native islanders.

Bull Sharks are common in the coastal waters and estuaries, so caution must always be taken while scuba diving or snorkeling

Respect[palau islands]
Palau islandsans have been known throughout history for their hospitality. Many Palau islandsans are very understanding, and realize
cultural differences and easily give respect for foreign visitors. Be sure however, to always pay respect to the local culture. As with any
other ethnic group, rude remarks or any form of prejudice against the local culture is not taken kindly. Palau islandsans can be just as
angry and rude as they are kind. As long as you do not disrespect the culture, violate historic areas, pollute, or harm the ocean in any
way, you will find the local atmosphere very laid back and easy going. Note that Palau islands is a matrilineal society with very strict
roles for men and women. Western ideas such as feminism are not standard to the Palau islandsan population, and an overly zealous
attempt at instilling such ideas is taken as annoying, ignorant, and obnoxious. Most Palau islandsans however, gladly engage in such
debates and find intellectual conversations interesting. Be sure to keep in mind that locals do not expect foreigners to understand the
national identity and local culture, so a quick apology for any wrongdoing is more than enough to satisfy a little friction.

Contact[palau islands]
Consulates[palau islands]

 Spain (Honorary Consulate), NECO Marina Building, Koror, ☎ +680 488 1755 (etpison@palau
islandsnet.com, fax: +680 488 5245). palau islands

Mail[palau islands]
As a Compact Free Association nation, Palau islands's official postal service is the United States Postal Service. For travel reasons,
the USPS treats Palau islands as a territory. So the postal requirements in Palau islands are the same in the other C.F.A. nations and
the US.

Internet[palau islands]
Almost all internet and telecommunications services in Palau islands are provided by Palau islands National Communications
Corporation (PNCC).

International sim cards (US, Philippines, Japan, and other countries) will be assigned a local number upon arrival as long as the
phone can access GSM 900. This conveniently allows you to use your own cellphone and sim card without buying a $25 PNCC sim
card. If you do not receive a local number automatically, you may have to manually select Palau islandsCel or PNCC as network
provided. After receiving your local number, you have to load it with airtime that are available at a minimum of $10 prepaid card. After
your load has been confirmed, you can now make and receive calls. To send and receive text messages or SMS, you need to change
your message center to +680 779 0000.

Many hotels, restaurants, and coffee bars offer free Wi-Fi service. It may be relatively slow especially when there are several people
trying to connect. PNCC also provides Wi-Fi service with prepaid cards available at $5 and $10 denominations. Wi-Fi service is better
in downtown Koror.

Get Out[palau islands]

There is a $50 Embarkation Tax (consisting of a $20 Airport Departure Tax and a $30 Environmental Protection Fee) levied on most
passengers departing by air. [25] The tax is paid just before you go through immigration and is cash-only. There is an ATM in the
airport lobby.
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