Republic of Palau
Micronesia
Coral · Pristine · Remote
Palau (officially Republic of Palau) is a country located in Micronesia. Its capital city is Ngerulmud. With a population of approximately 18,000, the main languages spoken are Palauan, English. The country covers an area of 459 km². The official currency is the United States dollar ($). Traffic drives on the right side.
Palau created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009, banning all commercial shark fishing across its 600,000 km² of ocean — the country's underwater ecosystem is considered one of the seven underwater wonders of the world.
Ngerulmud serves as the political, cultural and economic heart of Palau, positioned in Micronesia. As the seat of government and often the most populous city, it concentrates the country's main institutions, universities and cultural landmarks.
With a population of approximately 18,000, Palau is a vibrant society with a rich mix of traditions and communities. The principal languages spoken are Palauan, English, which reflect the country's cultural heritage and open doors to a wide international community. Internationally, Palau is reached via the dialling code +680.
Palau spans 459 km², in the Micronesia subregion of Oceania. Geographically centred around 7.5°N, 134.5°E, the country offers a diverse range of landscapes shaped by its location, climate and geology. Road traffic follows the right-hand rule, in line with surrounding Oceania convention.
The official currency is the United States dollar ($), used for everyday transactions and commerce throughout the country. Palau's economy is shaped by its geography, natural resources and trade relationships. Business and daily life operate under UTC+09:00, aligning the country with its regional neighbours.
Fishing / Diving holds a special place in the heart of Palau's national identity. Sport in Palau goes beyond competition — it is a shared language that unites communities, fuels local pride and connects generations across the country.