Pacific Islands News Association

Business News : Real Tonga Airlines touches down in Apia [27/07/2017 - Samoa]
Business News : Huawei at Center of Pacific Cable Spat [27/07/2017 - Australia]
News : Marshall Islands President calls for better coordination between CROP agencies [27/07/2017 - New Caledonia]
News : PM O'Neill congratulates all elected MPs in PNG [27/07/2017 - Papua New Guinea]
Sports News : RWC Sevens 2018 fans urged not to miss out following strong first week of ticket sales [27/07/2017 - United States]
Sports News : Fiji 7s coach says captain's departure an "opportunity" for others [27/07/2017 - Fiji]
Sports News : St George Illawarra Dragons in move to stage landmark home NRL game in Fiji [27/07/2017 - Australia]
News Feature : Paris climate deal needs to be politically, not legally, binding [27/07/2017 - France]
News Feature : Tough backdrop to NZ immigration decision [27/07/2017 - New Zealand]
News Feature : MASI Plans for the future - call for members to register [27/07/2017 - Solomon Islands]
Business News : PACER Plus could erode social services in Pacific says CTU [27/07/2017 - New Zealand]
Business News : Cooperation to strengthen safeguarding of Fiji Maritime boundaries [27/07/2017 - 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