Palau Facts, Palau Flag -- National Geographic

Fast Facts

Population:: 21,000
Capital:: Melekeok
Area:: 489 square kilometers (189 square miles)
Language:: English, Palauan, Japanese, 3 additional local languages
Religion:: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Modekngei (indigenous)
Currency:: U.S. dollar
Life Expectancy:: 69
GDP per Capita:: U.S. $9,000
Literacy Percent:: 92

Located in the western Pacific, the more than 250 islands that constitute Palau—a Japanese stronghold during World War II—were assigned to U.S. administration by the United Nations in 1947. Economically tied to the U.S., the territory became an independent nation in October 1994. About 70 percent of Palauans live in the capital city of Koror on the island of Koror. Tourism is the country's main industry, with the rich marine environment inviting snorkeling and scuba diving.

ECONOMY

Industry: Tourism, craft items, construction, garment making
Agriculture: Coconuts, copra, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes
Exports: Shellfish, tuna, copra, garments

—Text From National Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition

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