The World’s First Shark Sanctuary
Palau pioneered modern marine conservation — in 2009 it created the world’s first shark sanctuary, banning commercial shark fishing in its entire exclusive economic zone (630,000 km²). In 2015 it expanded protection by designating 80% of its EEZ as a marine protected area — one of the world’s largest marine reserves. These policies have made Palau a global leader in ocean protection and a world-class diving destination.
In 2017, Palau introduced the “Palau Pledge” — a stamp placed in arriving tourists’ passports pledging them to act responsibly toward the environment during their stay. It was the first country to legally require such a commitment.
The country’s Rock Islands — 445 mushroom-shaped limestone islets — are one of the world’s most photogenic seascapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hidden among them is Jellyfish Lake — a marine lake where, due to isolation from predators over thousands of years, the golden jellyfish lost their sting. Snorkellers can swim among millions of them harmlessly (closed 2017-2021 after drought caused jellyfish population crash; reopened as numbers recovered).
Palau was the site of the Battle of Peleliu (September-November 1944), one of WWII’s bloodiest — nearly 8,000 American and 11,000 Japanese casualties. Peleliu’s rusted tanks and fortifications remain throughout the jungle.
Palau has Compact of Free Association with the US similar to FSM and Marshalls.
A Brief History
Micronesian settlement 3,000+ years ago. Spanish, German, Japanese colonisation. Battle of Peleliu 1944. US Trust Territory. Independence 1994 — the last UN Trust Territory to gain independence.
Geography and Climate
Palau covers 459 km² across ~340 islands. Volcanic and limestone. Climate: tropical.
Culture, Language and Religion
Palauan and English are official. Religion: approximately 75% Christian.
The Economy
Palau has a high-income economy (~$240 million GDP) — by far the Pacific’s highest GDP per capita. Luxury dive tourism and US Compact funding dominate.
UNESCO Sites
Palau has 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site: Rock Islands Southern Lagoon.
Travel Guide
Entry: Visa on arrival for most nationalities. Palau Pledge required.
Surprising Facts
- Palau created the world’s first shark sanctuary (2009) and protected 80% of its EEZ in 2015.
- The Palau Pledge — a passport stamp pledge — is the world’s first legally required tourist environmental commitment.
- Jellyfish Lake — where stingless golden jellyfish can be swum with — is a world-famous snorkelling experience.
- The Battle of Peleliu (1944) was one of WWII’s bloodiest — ~19,000 casualties.
- Palau was the last UN Trust Territory to gain independence (1994).
- Ngerulmud — the capital — is the smallest capital of any independent country (population ~400).
Sources and References
See the frontmatter for cited sources.