Pacific Islands News Association

News Feature : Blue Charter action group makes strides toward tackling ocean acidification [21/02/2019 - New Zealand]
News Feature : China’s military seeks new islands to conquer [21/02/2019 - United States]
Business News : EU blacklisting criterias under the miscroscope: Samoa Central Bank [21/02/2019 - Samoa]
Business News : $50 billion for 20-Year Plan for development in Fiji [21/02/2019 - Fiji]
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News Feature : Prepare now for accelerating climate threats, military officials warn [21/02/2019 - Netherlands]
News : Fees could see lower candidate numbers - Solomon Islands electoral office [21/02/2019 - Solomon Islands]
News : Fijian government welcomes Multinational Observer Group report on election [21/02/2019 - Fiji]
News : Fiji women MPs urged put differences aside to address 'big issues' [21/02/2019 - New Zealand]
News : Barak Sope calls for Lini compensation, not to sale of Vanuatu passport [21/02/2019 - Vanuatu]
News : Rat poison discovered in cocaine and methamphetamine mix: Fiji Police Commissioner [21/02/2019 - Fiji]
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Country profile - Palau

Palau flag

More than 200 volcanic and coral islands, many of them surrounded by a single barrier reef, make up the northern Pacific nation of Palau.

Its tropical waters are home to an abundance of marine life, making Palau a paradise for divers.

The scenery ranges from white sandy beaches to dense jungle. Palau tries to protect its wildlife from hunters and poachers. It favours sustainable tourism.

Palau became independent in 1994, after being part of a United Nations trust territory administered by the US for 47 years.

It relies on financial aid from the US, provided under a Compact of Free Association which gives the US responsibility for Palau's defence and the right to maintain military bases there. Direct aid is set to wind up in 2009.

Tourism is low key, though growing in economic importance. Many visitors come from Taiwan, with which Palau has diplomatic ties. Taiwanese aid boosts the economy. The government is Palau's largest employer.

Monoliths and other relics are reminders of an ancient culture that thrived on the islands, but Palau's recent history has been dominated by outside influences - from Spain, Britain, Germany, Japan and the US. Palau saw some of the region's fiercest fighting in World War II.

Though embracing some Western trappings, many Palauans identify with their traditional culture and its codes and rites.
Politics in Palau sometimes has been lively; the nation's first president was assassinated in 1985.

Additional information