29 Facts About Palau

Palau, officially the Republic of Palau and historically known as Belau, Palaos, or Pelew, is a Pacific island country.

Palau is an archipelago of over 500 islands in the western Pacific Ocean that is part of the Micronesia region.

Koror Island is the former capital, also named Koror, and the commercial centre of the islands.

On its east coast, the larger Babeldaob has the current capital, Ngerulmud, as well as mountains and sandy beaches.

Badrulchau, ancient basalt monoliths, lie in grassy fields surrounded by palm trees to the north.

Palau is an Oceanian island nation made up of six island groups totaling over 500 islands.

Palau is the world's third-smallest sovereign country by population, after Tuvalu and Nauru. Technically, the Vatican City is also smaller, but it is not a member of the United Nations.

The first inhabitants of Palau are thought to have arrived from present-day Indonesia around 2500 BC. The first Palauans established complex social systems and engaged in fishing and farming.

The first European to visit Palau was English captain Henry Wilson, who was shipwrecked on a reef on one of the islands in 1783.

For over 200 years, foreign influences such as Spain, Britain, Germany, Japan, and the United States ruled Palau.

Parts of Palau were occupied by Japan during World War II. The islands were liberated by US forces during the Battle of Peleliu in 1944, which resulted in the highest death toll in US military history.

Palau was a part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI), a United Nations trust territory administered by the United States, from 1947 to 1994.

Palau achieved complete independence in 1994. It would continue to receive financial assistance from the US in exchange for the US continuing to operate military bases in Palau.

Palau became the world's first country to require visitors to sign a 'Eco-Pledge' upon arrival in 2017. Every incoming visitor must sign a passport-stamped pledge to be a good environmental steward throughout their stay.

There is also a mandatory in-flight video that instructs all incoming visitors on how to be environmentally responsible during their stay. A checklist of dos and don'ts is also provided upon arrival.

Palau will also outlaw'reef-toxic' sunscreens in 2020. The environmental initiative, which is thought to be another world first, aims to prevent chemical pollution from harming corals and marine life.

Jellyfish Lake, a land-locked marine lake in Palau, is home to 5 million non-stinging transparent jellyfish that swim in mass to follow the path of the sun.

Palau is known as the "underwater Serengeti" because of its incredible scuba diving. Beautiful seascapes, shipwrecks, and a diverse marine life are among the sights.

Palau, like many Pacific island nations, has one of the world's fattest populations. According to a 2017 report, Palau is the world's second most obese nation, trailing only Nauru.

Palau established the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009. To combat the growth of shark fishing, the country banned all commercial shark fishing in its waters.

The Rock Islands are one of Palau's most famous landmarks and the country's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site consists of hundreds of uninhabited limestone islands surrounded by turquoise lagoons and coral reefs. Many of the islands have mushroom-like shapes.

Palau's flag is simple, with a blue background and an off-center golden disc. The disc symbolises the moon, which has special significance in Palauan culture. The full moon has long been thought to be the best time for fishing, planting, and other activities.

The blue background of the flag is not, contrary to popular belief, a symbol of the Pacific Ocean. It instead refers to "the final passage of the foreign administering authority from our land," referring to the country's time as a United Nations trust territory.

The Milky Way, a cove in the Rock Islands, is well-known for the white mud found on its seafloor. The mud has anti-aging and healing properties and can be used in natural spa treatments.

Palau is one of only 22 countries without a military. Palau, as a former US-administered territory, did not establish an army after gaining independence. Instead, the United States is responsible for its own defence.

The Badrulchau Stone Monoliths in Palau, known as the "Easter Island of Micronesia," are a collection of 38 stone monoliths, 28 of which have human features. The stones date from around 161 AD. Their function and origin are unknown, but legend has it that gods placed them to support a bai (men's meeting house).

Palau is home to saltwater crocodiles. Although saltwater crocodiles have been dubbed "the animal most likely to eat a human," attacks on humans are uncommon in Palau.

The only prison in Palau also serves as a gift shop. Inmates who have demonstrated good behaviour are permitted to carve storyboards (carved wooden panels depicting Palauan legends) and sell them to the general public.

Palau is threatened by rising sea levels caused by climate change because it is a low-lying country (the highest point is only 242m).