Welcome to Palau 🇵🇼 — a remarkable destination in Micronesia. Its official name is Republic of Palau, and today around 17,695 people call this Oceania nation home, spread across roughly 459 km² of territory.
Below is your complete country profile for Palau: key statistics, an introduction to Ngerulmud, an interactive map, cultural notes and answers to the questions people most often ask about this corner of Oceania.
Geography of Palau
Geographically, Palau belongs to Micronesia within Oceania. Its territory spans approximately 459 km², which makes it the 202nd largest country or territory on Earth.
Palau has no land borders at all — it is surrounded entirely by water, and this island setting has given it a distinct identity, ecosystem and way of life.
The capital city is Ngerulmud, the political and cultural heart of the country and usually the first stop for visitors who want to understand how palauan life really works.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
People, language and culture
Around 17,695 people live in Palau, making it the 225th most populous country or territory in the world. A person from Palau is called a Palauan.
Palau is multilingual: the languages spoken include English and Palauan. This linguistic variety reflects the country's layered history and the many communities that shaped it.
Beyond the numbers, everyday culture in Palau — from markets and music to family traditions — is what makes discovering it through a random spin so rewarding.
Currency, travel and practical facts
The official currency is the United States dollar (USD, symbol $). Exchange rates fluctuate, so check current rates before travelling.
The international dialling code for Palau is +680. Websites from the country typically use the .pw internet domain.
Quiz tip: the three facts most worth memorising about Palau are its flag, its capital Ngerulmud, and its approximate population of 17,695.
Fun facts about Palau
- Palau's flag emoji is 🇵🇼 — its two-letter country code is PW and its three-letter code is PLW.
- Palau covers 459 km², ranking 202nd in the world by area.
- With about 17,695 people, Palau holds the 225th spot in the world population ranking.
- Palau is a member state of the United Nations.
- Palau is completely surrounded by water, with zero land borders.
Palau — frequently asked questions
- What is the capital of Palau?
- The capital of Palau is Ngerulmud.
- What is the population of Palau?
- Palau has a population of approximately 17,695 people, ranking 225th in the world.
- Where is Palau located?
- Palau is located in Micronesia, part of the Oceania region.
- What language is spoken in Palau?
- The languages spoken in Palau include English and Palauan.
- What currency is used in Palau?
- Palau uses the United States dollar (USD).
