Palau: flag, capital, currency and history
Palau, officially the Republic of Palau, is a country in Micronesia, Oceania. Its capital is Ngerulmud. The currency is the United States dollar. Languages spoken include English and Palauan.
Quick facts about Palau
- Official name
- Republic of Palau
- Capital
- Ngerulmud
- Region
- Oceania, Micronesia
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD, $)
- Languages
- English, Palauan
- Calling code
- +680
- Internet domain
- .pw
- Area
- 459 km² (177 sq mi)
- Land borders
- None (island or surrounded by water)
- Demonym
- Palauan
- National day
- Independence Day, October 1
Flag of Palau
Download the flag of Palau as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇵🇼.
History of Palau
The Palau islands were settled by Austronesian-speaking peoples several thousand years ago. European contact began in the 18th century, and Spain claimed the islands before selling them to Germany in 1899. Japan took control in 1914 and administered Palau under a League of Nations mandate from 1920. Heavy fighting took place there during the Second World War, including at Peleliu in 1944. After the war Palau became part of the United States-administered Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. It adopted its own constitution in 1981 and became independent in 1994 under a Compact of Free Association with the United States.
Key dates
- 1899Spain sells the Caroline Islands, including Palau, to Germany.
- 1914Japan occupies the islands at the start of the First World War.
- 1920Japan receives a League of Nations mandate over the former German Pacific islands.
- 1944United States forces fight the Battle of Peleliu against Japanese defenders.
- 1947Palau becomes part of the United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands under US administration.
- 1981Palau's constitution takes effect and a self-governing republic is established.
- 1994Palau becomes fully independent under a Compact of Free Association with the United States.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Palau
Palau uses the United States dollar (USD, $). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Palau?
The capital of Palau is Ngerulmud.
What currency does Palau use?
Palau uses the United States dollar (USD, symbol $).
What languages are spoken in Palau?
Languages used in Palau include English and Palauan.
What is the calling code of Palau?
The international calling code of Palau is +680. Its internet domain is .pw.
Which countries border Palau?
Palau has no land borders and is surrounded by water.
On which continent is Palau?
Palau is in Oceania, in the region of Micronesia.
What is the national day of Palau?
Palau marks Independence Day on October 1.
More countries in Micronesia
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).