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Palau
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Customs and Culture
Customs and Culture
Cultural Attributes
Palauan culture is a rich tapestry woven from ancient Micronesian traditions, clan-based social structures, and centuries of contact with Spanish, German, Japanese, and American influences. Despite this layered history, Palauans have maintained a remarkably strong sense of cultural identity, anchored by customary practices that continue to govern daily life alongside modern institutions. At the heart of Palauan society is the matrilineal clan system, known as "kebliil." Membership, inheritance of titles, and land rights are all passed down through the mother's line, giving women a foundational role in social organization. Ten clans exist within each village, and the heads of these clans form councils that retain real political and ceremonial authority even today. One of the most distinctive cultural practices is "omengat," a traditional ceremony performed after a woman gives birth to her first child. The new mother undergoes a period of healing baths using heated seawater and is honored with gifts of Palauan money — finely crafted glass beads and whale teeth called "udoud" — which remain a form of cultural currency used in marriages, funerals, and other major life events. This traditional money holds no monetary exchange value in modern commerce but carries deep social and spiritual significance. Storytelling, chanting, and the art of "storyboards" — carved wooden panels depicting Palauan legends and daily life — are important forms of cultural expression. Storyboard carving emerged in the 20th century as a way to preserve oral traditions in visual form and has become one of Palau's most recognized art forms. The bai, a traditional meeting house built without nails using interlocking beams, serves as a gathering place for male elders and clan councils. These structures are adorned with painted carvings representing historical events and cultural narratives, functioning as living repositories of community memory. Fishing remains deeply embedded in Palauan identity, not only as a livelihood but as a spiritual and communal activity. Traditional fishing rights are controlled by clans and chiefs, reflecting the enduring connection between culture, environment, and governance that defines life in Palau.
Sanctuary of Pristine Reefs and Island Spirits
Social Customs & Etiquette
Greetings in Palau reflect the island nation's rich cultural heritage, shaped by centuries of Micronesian tradition alongside influences from Spanish, German, Japanese, and American contact. The official languages are Palauan and English, and greetings typically vary depending on the time of day and the level of familiarity between individuals.
In Palauan, a common all-purpose greeting is "Alii" (pronounced ah-LEE), which functions similarly to "hello" in English and is used casually throughout the day. It is widely recognized even by visitors and serves as a warm, friendly opener in most social settings. For a more formal or respectful greeting, particularly when addressing elders or community leaders, Palauans may use longer, more ceremonious phrases that acknowledge the other person's status within the community.
Time-specific greetings are also used in everyday speech. "Ungil tutau" means "good morning," "ungil sueleb" means "good afternoon," and "ungil kebesengei" means "good evening." Learning even a few of these phrases is considered a sign of respect and is genuinely appreciated by locals.
Physical greetings among friends and family often involve a handshake or a light embrace. Among close acquaintances, a warm handshake accompanied by a smile is the standard form of greeting. Direct eye contact is generally considered respectful in Palauan culture, signaling attentiveness and sincerity.
Palauan society places significant importance on respect for elders, known as "omengull." When greeting an older person or a figure of authority, it is customary to show deference through tone, posture, and word choice. Younger individuals may lower their gaze or body slightly as a mark of respect.
For travelers visiting Palau, making an effort to use basic Palauan greetings — even imperfectly — is met with warmth and encouragement. English is widely spoken throughout the country, particularly in Koror, the commercial hub, so communication is rarely a barrier. However, attempting a greeting in Palauan demonstrates cultural appreciation and can open doors to more meaningful interactions with local communities.
Dating Customs
Dating and marriage in Palau are shaped by a blend of traditional Palauan customs and modern influences, reflecting the island nation's unique Micronesian heritage. Palauan society is matrilineal, meaning that lineage, land rights, and clan membership are traced through the mother's side of the family. This structure has a significant influence on how relationships and marriages are approached and negotiated.
Traditional courtship in Palau often involved families playing a central role in selecting suitable partners, with attention paid to clan compatibility and social standing. While younger generations increasingly choose their own partners, family approval remains an important social expectation. Marriage is not simply a union between two individuals but is viewed as an alliance between two clans, and as such, ceremonial obligations extend well beyond the couple themselves.
One of the most distinctive traditions associated with Palauan marriage is the exchange of goods between families. The groom's family typically presents money, known locally as Palauan money (udoud), along with other valuables to the bride's family. The bride's family, in turn, provides food, goods, and traditional items in reciprocity. These exchanges can be elaborate and are considered a matter of family honor and prestige. Similar exchanges also occur at the birth of a first child and upon the death of a family member, demonstrating how deeply embedded these customs are throughout the life cycle.
The legal marriage age in Palau is 18, though marriages with parental consent can occur at a younger age. Both civil and customary marriages are practiced, and many couples choose to have both a legal ceremony and a traditional celebration. Christianity, particularly Catholicism and various Protestant denominations, is widely practiced in Palau, and religious ceremonies are commonly incorporated into wedding celebrations.
Divorce is legally permitted in Palau, and while it carries some social stigma in traditional communities, changing attitudes among younger Palauans reflect broader global trends toward individual autonomy in personal relationships.
Holidays
Constitution Day
7/9Independence
Dates of Interest
- July 9th
What social customs and traditions should I be aware of in Palau?
Palauan life is governed by a matrilineal clan system called 'kebliil,' where titles, inheritance, and land rights pass through the mother's line, giving women a foundational social role and clan councils real authority.
Do
- Respect the authority of clan councils and chiefs, who retain political and ceremonial power
- Recognize the important social role of women within the matrilineal clan system
- Treat traditional Palauan money ('udoud') — glass beads and whale teeth — as items of deep social and spiritual significance
Good to know
- Each village has ten clans, whose heads form councils
- 'Udoud' has no commercial exchange value but is used in marriages, funerals, and major life events
- The 'omengat' ceremony honors a mother after her first child's birth, with healing seawater baths and gifts of Palauan money
- The 'bai,' a nail-free traditional meeting house, serves as a gathering place for male elders and clan councils
What cultural activities and arts are important in Palau?
Storytelling, chanting, and carved wooden 'storyboards' depicting legends and daily life are key forms of cultural expression, while fishing remains a spiritual and communal activity central to Palauan identity.
Good to know
- Storyboard carving is one of Palau's most recognized art forms, preserving oral traditions visually
- The 'bai' meeting house is adorned with painted carvings representing historical events and cultural narratives
- Traditional fishing rights are controlled by clans and chiefs
Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports
Photos of Palau
Photos of Palau
Travel and Tourism
Travel and Tourism
- Travel Alert Status
- Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Time Difference
- UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
- Climate
- Palau has a tropical climate with annual rainfall of about 150 inches. The climate tends to be drier during El Nino years. Rain falls throughout the year, though January through March are usually the driest months. Palau is outside the normal typhoon track, but from June to November a tropical storm can settle over the country and dump heavy amounts of rain for several days. The temperature averages range from a high of 87 degrees to a low of 77 degrees year round. Humidity is high, ranging from 86% to 91%, and non-air conditioned environments can get moldy. Air quality is excellent and free of pollutants.
- Airports
- 3
Read the full travel guide — health, safety, vaccinations, disease risk, sanitation, and transit details.
View full travel guideHistory
History
Historical Eras
Ancient Settlement
2000 BCE – 1710
Palau was first settled approximately 4,000 years ago, most likely by Austronesian-speaking migrants from the Indonesian archipelago. Over millennia, a distinct Palauan culture emerged, characterized by the bai (men's meeting houses), an elaborate system of clans and chieftainships, and the storied stone money-like traditions of inter-island exchange. The islands remained largely self-governing under indigenous leadership until sustained contact with European powers began.
British & Spanish Contact
1710 – 1899
British traders and whalers became regular visitors from the early 18th century, with Captain Henry Wilson's shipwreck in 1783 producing one of the first detailed Western accounts of Palauan society. Spain formally asserted sovereignty over the Caroline Islands, including Palau, in 1885 following a dispute with Germany arbitrated by Pope Leo XIII. Spanish colonial influence remained relatively light, focused on missionary activity and nominal administration from the Philippines.
German Colonial Rule
1899 – 1914
Following its defeat in the Spanish-American War, Spain sold Palau and the remaining Caroline Islands to Germany in 1899 for 25 million pesetas. German administrators promoted copra and phosphate extraction and introduced systematic land surveys and labor regulations. The period was brief but laid infrastructure groundwork and disrupted traditional land tenure arrangements across the archipelago.
Japanese Mandate
1914 – 1947
Japan seized Palau at the outbreak of World War I and received formal administration of Micronesia as a League of Nations mandate in 1920, establishing Koror as the regional capital of the South Seas Mandate. Japanese settlers eventually outnumbered Palauans, and the islands were heavily industrialized and militarized. The devastating Battle of Peleliu in 1944, one of the Pacific War's bloodiest engagements, left the archipelago in ruins before American forces prevailed.
US Trust Territory
1947 – 1994
The United Nations designated Palau part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands under United States administration in 1947. Palau declined to join the Federated States of Micronesia in 1979, instead ratifying its own constitution and declaring itself the Republic of Palau in 1981. Negotiations over a Compact of Free Association with the United States were complicated by Palau's nuclear-free constitution, requiring eight separate referenda before the Compact was finally ratified in 1993.
Independent Republic
1994 – present
On October 1, 1994, the Compact of Free Association entered into force and Palau became a fully independent nation, joining the United Nations the same year while maintaining close defense and economic ties with the United States. The republic has developed a significant marine-tourism economy, and its waters—including the famed Jellyfish Lake and Blue Corner dive sites—attract international visitors. Palau has also emerged as a prominent advocate for ocean conservation and climate change action on the world stage.
Overview
Four of the Trust Territory districts formed a single federated Micronesian state in 1979, but the districts of Palau and the Marshall Islands declined to participate. Palau instead approved a new constitution and became the Republic of Palau in 1981, signing a Compact of Free Association with the United States in 1982. After eight referenda and an amendment to the Palauan constitution, the Compact went into effect on October 1, 1994, marking Palau’s emergence from trusteeship to independence.
Timeline of Key Events
1885
Spain asserts its claim to the islands.
Spain asserts its claim to the islands.
1899
Spain sells Palau to Germany.
Spain sells Palau to Germany, which begins to exploit the islands’ resources using native labor. Phosphate is mined and coconut plantations are developed.
1914
After Germany’s defeat in World War I, Japan seizes Palau.
After Germany’s defeat in World War I, Japan seizes Palau. The main town, Koror, is developed and becomes the administrative centre for Japan’s regional possessions. The Japanese civilian population in Palau peaks at 26,000.
1994
Palau becomes independent .
Palau becomes independent under the Contract of Free Association with the US. Palau receives financial and other aid from Washington, and the US retains responsibility for defence and the right to operate military bases. Palau joins the UN.
Read the full history profile — narrative overview, defining eras, and the complete timeline in one place.
View expanded historyInteresting Facts
Interesting Facts
In 1783 Henry Wilson, an English captain, was shipwrecked on a reef off the coast of Palau. Wilson and his crew rebuilt their ship with the help of the islanders.
See every fact — trivia, oddities, and curious tidbits gathered from across the country.
View all interesting factsGeography and Environment
Geography and Environment
- Terrain
- varying geologically from the high, mountainous main island of Babelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by large barrier reefs
- Climate
- Palau has a tropical climate with annual rainfall of about 150 inches. The climate tends to be drier during El Nino years. Rain falls throughout the year, though January through March are usually the driest months. Palau is outside the normal typhoon track, but from June to November a tropical storm can settle over the country and dump heavy amounts of rain for several days. The temperature averages range from a high of 87 degrees to a low of 77 degrees year round. Humidity is high, ranging from 86% to 91%, and non-air conditioned environments can get moldy. Air quality is excellent and free of pollutants.
- Natural Hazards
- typhoons (June to December)
- Current Environmental Issues
- inadequate facilities for disposal of solid waste; threats to the marine ecosystem from sand and coral dredging, illegal fishing practices, and overfishing
Read the full geography and environment profile — terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, land use, and international agreements.
View full geographyPeople & Demographics
People & Demographics
Religion
Languages Spoken
English and Palauan official in all states except Sonsoral (Sonsoralese and English are official), Tobi (Tobi and English are official), and Angaur (Angaur, Japanese, and English are official)
- English
- Japanese
- Palauan
Population
- Population
- 18,024
- Population in Major Urban Areas
- MELEKEOK (capital) 1,000
- Nationality Noun
- Palauan(s)
- Ethnic Groups
- Palauan (Micronesian with Malayan and Melanesian admixtures) 70%, Asian (mainly Filipinos, followed by Chinese, Taiwanese, and Vietnamese) 28%, white 2%
Education
- Literacy Definition
- age 15 and over can read and write
Health Information
- Life Expectancy at Birth
- Life expectancy at birth in Palau stands at approximately 72 to 74 years, reflecting a modest but steady improvement in health outcomes over recent decades. This figure places Palau in a comparable range to many small island developing states in the Pacific region, though it remains somewhat below the averages seen in high-income nations. As is common globally, a gender gap exists in Palauan life expectancy. Women in Palau generally live longer than men, with female life expectancy estimated at around 75 to 77 years, while male life expectancy typically falls between 69 and 72 years. This disparity mirrors broader Pacific and global trends and is influenced by differences in lifestyle behaviors, occupational risks, and health-seeking habits between sexes. Several factors shape life expectancy outcomes in Palau. Non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity-related conditions, represent significant health challenges for the population. These chronic conditions have become increasingly prevalent as dietary habits shifted over the latter half of the twentieth century toward processed and imported foods, replacing traditional diets rich in fish, taro, and local produce. High rates of tobacco use and alcohol consumption among certain demographic groups also contribute to premature mortality, particularly among men. On the positive side, Palau has a relatively accessible public health system for its small population of roughly 18,000 people. The government operates the Belau National Hospital, the country's primary medical facility, and residents can access regional medical referrals for complex care. Infant mortality has declined considerably over time, contributing to rising average life expectancy figures. Improvements in maternal and child health, clean water access, and sanitation infrastructure have all supported better survival rates in younger age groups. Palau's geographic isolation and small population size present ongoing challenges for healthcare delivery, and the country relies on medical partnerships with the United States and regional health organizations to supplement domestic capacity. The Compact of Free Association with the United States provides Palauans with access to certain federal health programs and referral services, which has meaningfully supported health outcomes. Despite these constraints, life expectancy trends in Palau have moved in a broadly positive direction over the past several decades, underpinned by continued investment in public health infrastructure and disease prevention efforts.
Life Expectancy
- Life Expectancy at Birth
- Life expectancy at birth in Palau stands at approximately 72 to 74 years, reflecting a modest but steady improvement in health outcomes over recent decades. This figure places Palau in a comparable range to many small island developing states in the Pacific region, though it remains somewhat below the averages seen in high-income nations. As is common globally, a gender gap exists in Palauan life expectancy. Women in Palau generally live longer than men, with female life expectancy estimated at around 75 to 77 years, while male life expectancy typically falls between 69 and 72 years. This disparity mirrors broader Pacific and global trends and is influenced by differences in lifestyle behaviors, occupational risks, and health-seeking habits between sexes. Several factors shape life expectancy outcomes in Palau. Non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity-related conditions, represent significant health challenges for the population. These chronic conditions have become increasingly prevalent as dietary habits shifted over the latter half of the twentieth century toward processed and imported foods, replacing traditional diets rich in fish, taro, and local produce. High rates of tobacco use and alcohol consumption among certain demographic groups also contribute to premature mortality, particularly among men. On the positive side, Palau has a relatively accessible public health system for its small population of roughly 18,000 people. The government operates the Belau National Hospital, the country's primary medical facility, and residents can access regional medical referrals for complex care. Infant mortality has declined considerably over time, contributing to rising average life expectancy figures. Improvements in maternal and child health, clean water access, and sanitation infrastructure have all supported better survival rates in younger age groups. Palau's geographic isolation and small population size present ongoing challenges for healthcare delivery, and the country relies on medical partnerships with the United States and regional health organizations to supplement domestic capacity. The Compact of Free Association with the United States provides Palauans with access to certain federal health programs and referral services, which has meaningfully supported health outcomes. Despite these constraints, life expectancy trends in Palau have moved in a broadly positive direction over the past several decades, underpinned by continued investment in public health infrastructure and disease prevention efforts.
Read the full people and society profile — demographics, health, education, religion, languages, and notable people.
View full people and societyGovernment & Politics
Government & Politics
Country Identity
- Country Name
- Palau
- Full Country Name
- Republic of Palau
- Local - Long
- Beluu er a Belau
- Local - Short
- Belau
- Former Name
- Palau District (Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands)
Government Structure
- Government Type
- constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 1 October 1994
- Legal System
- based on Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws
- Executive Branch
- chief of state: President Surangel WHIPPS Jr. (since 21 January 2021) and Vice President Uduch Sengebau SENIOR (since 21 January 2021); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President Surangel WHIPPS Jr. (since 21 January 2021) and Vice President Uduch Sengebau SENIOR (since 21 January 2021); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with the advice and consent of the Senate elections: president and vice president elected on separate tickets by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 3 November 2020 (next to be held in November 2024) election results: Surangel WHIPPS Jr. elected president; percent of vote - Surangel WHIPPS Jr. 56.7%, Raynold OILOUCH 43.3%; Uduch Sengebau SENIOR elected vice president
- Legislative Branch
- Bicameral Parliament or Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) consists of the Senate (13 seats; members elected by popular vote on a population basis to serve four-year terms) and the House of Delegates (16 seats; one member elected from each of Palau's 16 states by popular vote to serve four-year terms) Elections: Senate - last held on 5 November 2024 (next to be held in November 2028); House of Delegates - last held on 5 November 2024 (next to be held in November 2028) Election results: Senate - percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 13; House of Delegates - percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 16 All members serve four-year terms and run as independents, as Palau does not have formal political parties. The OEK is responsible for enacting legislation, approving the national budget, and ratifying international agreements on behalf of the Republic of Palau.
- Judicial Branch
- Supreme Court; National Court; Court of Common Pleas
- Suffrage
- 18 years of age; universal
- Constitution
- 1-Jan-81
- Independence
- 1 October 1994 (from the US-administered UN Trusteeship)
- National Holiday
- Constitution Day, 9 July (1979)
Capital City
- Capital Name
- Ngerulmud
- Capital - geographic coordinate
- 7 30 N, 134 37 E
- Capital Time Difference
- UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
the Palauan meaning is "place of fermented 'mud'" ('mud' being the native name for the keyhole angelfish); the site of the new capitol (established in 2006) had been a large hill overlooking the ocean, Ngerulmud, on which women would communally gather to offer fermented angelfish to the gods
note: Ngerulmud, on Babeldaob Island, is the smallest national capital on earth by population, with only a few hundred people; the name is pronounced en-jer-al-mud; Koror, on Koror Island, with over 11,000 residents is by far the largest settlement in Palau; it served as the country's capital from independence in 1994 to 2006
Military
Branches: no regular military forces; Palau National Police
Embassy / Diplomatic Mission
U.S. Embassy in Koror, Palau
In Airai State, in an area known as Omsangel (no street address)
P.O. Box 6028, Koror, Palau 96940
Telephone: (680) 587-2920/2990
Facsimile: (680) 587-2911
The U.S. Embassy in Koror accepts passport applications but does not issue passports or make decisions about citizenship claims; the Honolulu Passport Agency handles these requests. The Embassy does not issue immigrant visas, that function is performed by the U.S. Embassy in Manila.
Read the full government profile — flag symbolism, national anthem, and other national symbols.
View full government detailsEconomy
Economy
Palau's economy is driven primarily by tourism, subsistence agriculture, and fishing, with the government serving as the largest employer of the formal workforce. The country relies heavily on financial assistance from the United States under the Compact of Free Association, which was renewed in 2023 and provides approximately $890 million in economic assistance through 2044. Tourism, the leading private-sector industry, suffered a severe contraction during the COVID-19 pandemic but has been gradually recovering, with visitor arrivals climbing back from pandemic-era lows toward pre-2020 levels of roughly 90,000 annually. Palau enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the Pacific Islands region, with GDP per capita estimated at around $14,000-$15,000. The economy remains vulnerable to external shocks, fluctuations in tourist arrivals, and climate change impacts. Long-term prospects for the tourism sector depend on expanded air connectivity, demand from East Asian markets, and continued investment in sustainable infrastructure. Palau has also positioned itself as a global leader in marine conservation, with its Palau National Marine Sanctuary protecting 80 percent of its exclusive economic zone, supporting both ecotourism and fisheries management.
Snapshot
- Currency Name and Code
- US Dollar (USD)
- GDP Real Growth Rate
- -0.5%
Banknotes
Budget & Public Finance
- Fiscal Year
- 1 October - 30 September
- Annual Budget
- $80,800,000 (USD)
- Economic Aid
- $155,800,000 (USD)
Labor, Industry & Trade
- Labor Force by Occupation
- agriculture 20%
- Industries
- tourism, craft items (from shell, wood, pearls), construction, garment making
- Agriculture Products
- coconuts, copra, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes
- Export Commodities
- shellfish, tuna, copra, garments
- Export Partners
- US, Japan, Singapore
- Import Commodities
- machinery and equipment, fuels, metals; foodstuffs
- Import Partners
- US, Guam, Japan, Singapore, Korea
Energy
- Oil Production
- 0 bbl/day
- Oil Consumption
- 0 bbl/day
- Oil Reserves
- 0 bbl/day
- Natural Gas Production
- 0 cu m
- Natural Gas Consumption
- 0 cu m
- Natural Gas Imports
- 0 cu m
- Natural Gas Exports
- 0 cu m
- Natural Gas Reserves
- 0 cu m
Communications
- Telephone System
- domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular services available with a combined subscribership of roughly 100 per 100 persons international: country code - 680; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)
- Internet Country Code
- .pw
News & Weather
News & Weather
Current Weather
Latest News
Book explores changes brought to island cultures by shipwrecks - The Clarion-Ledger
The Clarion-Ledger · 23h ago
Peace Corps returns to the Republic of Palau with first volunteers since 2018 - Peace Corps (.gov)
Peace Corps (.gov) · 21d ago
Russia hit Palau-flagged grain ship twice as it left port for Greece. Two sailors are missing - Euromaidan Press
Euromaidan Press · 3d ago
Guam, Washington Enhance Readiness with Palau Partners > U.S. Pacific Command > News Articles - pacom.mil
pacom.mil · 16d ago
Brazil secures new agricultural market access in China, Paraguay and Palau - DatamarNews
DatamarNews · 1d ago
Palau opens up -- carefully - Nikkei Asia
Nikkei Asia · 10d ago
Russia attacked Palau-flagged cargo ship off Odesa, two sailors missing - Межа. Новини України.
Межа. Новини України. · 3d ago
East-West Center Convenes Regional Workshop on Transparent Investment in Palau - East-West Center
East-West Center · 41d ago
News via Google News
Climate Overview
Palau has a tropical climate with annual rainfall of about 150 inches. The climate tends to be drier during El Nino years. Rain falls throughout the year, though January through March are usually the driest months. Palau is outside the normal typhoon track, but from June to November a tropical storm can settle over the country and dump heavy amounts of rain for several days. The temperature averages range from a high of 87 degrees to a low of 77 degrees year round. Humidity is high, ranging from 86% to 91%, and non-air conditioned environments can get moldy. Air quality is excellent and free of pollutants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Palau?
What social customs and traditions should I be aware of in Palau?
What cultural activities and arts are important in Palau?
What is the capital of Palau?
Where is Palau located?
What are the ocean and sea borders of Palau?
What religion is practiced in Palau?
What currency is used in Palau?
What languages are spoken in Palau?
What is the geography of Palau like?
What is Palau known for?
Last reviewed 2026