Capital: Melekeok
Population
Total Population:
17,663
Natural Increase:
-0.2%
Density:
39 Inhabitants/km²
Urban Population:
79.3%
Ethnic Origins:
The Palauan (Micronesian with Malayan and Melanesian admixtures) represent nearly 73% of the population, with Asians about 22% and the other ethnic groups about 5%. (
Republic of Palau National Government)
Official Language:
Palauan (all states except Sonsorol, Tobi, Angaur), English, Sonsorol (in Sonsorol), Tobian (in Tobi), Japanese (in Angaur).
Other Languages Spoken:
Filipino, Chinese, Carolinian, Other languages
Business Language(s):
English
Local Time:
It is %T:%M %A In Melekeok
Country Overview
Area:
460 km²
Type of State:
Democratic Republic. Constitutional government in free association with the US.
Type of Economy:
Lower middle income, agricultural and manufacturing economy.
The economy has stagnated in recent years due to delays in construction projects, which has offset a modest increase in tourism.
HDI*:
0.786/1
HDI (World Rank):
81/192
Note: (*) The HDI, Human Development Index, measures a country's development in terms of quality of life. It mainly takes into account life expectancy, level of education and GDP per capita.
Telecommunication
Telephone Code:
To call from Palau, dial 011
To call Palau, dial +680
Internet Suffix:
.pw
Households with a computer:
18.5 per 100 Inhabitants
Mobile phone subscriptions:
135.4 per 100 Inhabitants
Access to Electricity:
100% of the Population
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Latest Update: July 2026
Palau: Statistical Overview
