Humans arrived in the Palauan archipelago from Southeast Asia around 1000 B.C. and developed a complex, highly organized matrilineal society where high-ranking women picked the chiefs. The islands were the westernmost part of the widely scattered Pacific islands north of New Guinea that Spanish explorers named the Caroline Islands in the 17th century. The 18th and 19th centuries saw occasional visits of whalers and traders as Spain gained some influence in the islands and administered it from the Philippines. Spain sold Palau to Germany in 1899 after losing the Philippines in the Spanish-American War.
- Capital
- Ngerulmud
- Government
- presidential republic in free association with the US
- Population
- 21,947
- Area
- 459 sq km
- Location
- Oceania, group of islands in the North Pacific Ocean, southeast of the Philippines
- Climate
- tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November
- Natural resources
- forests; minerals (especially gold); marine products; deep-seabed minerals
- Languages
- Palauan (official on most islands) 65.2%; other Micronesian 1.9%; English (official) 19.1%; Filipino 9.9%…
- Religions
- Roman Catholic 46.9%; Protestant 30.9% (Evangelical 24.6%; Seventh Day Adventist 5%; other Protestant 1.4%)…
- Independence
- 1 October 1994 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)
- Administrative divisions
- 16 states; Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Hatohobei, Kayangel, Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngarchelong, Ngardmau, Ngatpang, Ngc…
- Export partners
- India 41%; Turkey 26%; Taiwan 10%; USA 9%…
- Import partners
- Italy 32%; China 25%; USA 11%; Turkey 10%…